Head of state reform schools faces criminal allegations

The head of Finland’s state reform schools, Kaisa Tammi, is suspected of violating official secrecy and defamation, Yle reports. The case is currently being considered by a prosecutor.

Tammi confirmed the criminal investigation to Yle but said she could not comment on the allegations at this stage. She denies having committed any crimes.

“I am waiting calmly for the prosecutor’s decision in the matter,” Tammi said.

The allegations under consideration are linked to Tammi’s current position as head of the state reform schools. Yle has no further information about the content of the allegations.

Oulu police launch separate investigation

Police in Oulu are also investigating suspected offences connected to the state reform schools. The investigation has just begun, according to Timo Heikkinen, the lead investigator.

One source told Yle that the Oulu investigation may also concern Tammi, but Yle has not been able to confirm this through another source. Heikkinen did not comment on the number of suspects or the suspected offences being investigated.

Procurement case before court

A separate case involving unclear procurements by the state reform schools is currently being heard by the Helsinki District Court. Prosecutors allege that purchases worth hundreds of thousands of euros were made in violation of procurement law.

Kaisa Lepola, who headed a state child welfare unit at the time, and Jani Meling, who worked as development manager for the state reform schools, are charged with official offences in that case. Both deny the allegations.

The criminal investigation that led to the charges being considered in Tammi’s case began after Meling filed a report of an offence against her. Meling confirmed this in an interview with Lansi-Uusimaa.

Tammi had previously decided to suspend Meling from his post because of suspected offences concerning him. She declined to comment on Meling’s report or on the charges against Meling and Lepola.

“I came to this agency as acting director. It was unfortunate to find myself in a situation where irregularities from the period before my time were discovered,” Tammi said.