Suspected break-ins at MPs’ homes may fit Russian playbook

Suspected break-ins at several Finnish MPs’ homes resemble known Russian methods, security policy expert Henri Vanhanen told Yle, though there is no evidence so far that a foreign state is involved.

Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho said on Thursday that several MPs suspected someone had entered their homes. Parliament has taken security measures in response to the reports.

According to information obtained by Yle, some MPs found doors open at home despite not having left them that way. Vanhanen said the reported incidents resembled Russian and Soviet-era operations in which intruders entered premises, took nothing and left signs of their visit.

Vanhanen, a senior adviser at the security policy consultancy Economic Security Forum, said Russia might use private individuals in such operations, sometimes paying people who may not know they are helping Russian intelligence.

He said the timing could be related to Russia’s poor performance in its war against Ukraine. Vanhanen suggested the incidents might be intended to influence Western support for Ukraine and the views of Finnish decision-makers. He also said the choice of MPs appeared to relate more to their access to information and areas of responsibility than to their political parties.

Vanhanen said matters concerning Finland’s defence policy, NATO forces in Finland, sanctions on Russia and foreign and security policy could be of interest. He urged MPs to check security measures at home, including video surveillance and alarm systems, and to remain calm. He stressed that the circumstances and any possible foreign involvement remain unconfirmed.