Former aides say Pelttari wanted to control every decision

Former Finnish Security and Intelligence Service chief Antti Pelttari says he focused on strategy and was not responsible for operational intelligence methods, while several former subordinates describe him as a leader who wanted to know the details and make decisions. Yle reported the contrasting accounts as Pelttari stands trial on charges of disclosing security secrets and committing an official offence, which he denies.

Prosecutors allege that Pelttari, who led the service from 2012 to 2023, was involved in arrangements that used retired employees for intelligence source work and surveillance. They also say he disclosed security secrets to a retired employee. Pelttari denies both allegations.

Former aides describe a hands-on leadership style

Olli Kolstela, who served as deputy chief during Pelttari’s tenure, said the service was led in a way that meant Pelttari wanted to decide every matter. “Not even a small issue moved forward without his knowledge,” Kolstela told investigators, describing the style as something that “could be called micromanagement.” He said staff were expected to keep Pelttari informed, including by copying him on emails about important matters. Kolstela added that this was not necessarily unusual compared with similar organisations.

Kolstela also said Pelttari sometimes bypassed the deputy chiefs and handled matters over their heads.

Ilkka Hanski, head of the service’s security clearance department, described Pelttari as a strong leader with a clear vision. “His stated intention was that he answers and he decides,” Hanski said. He said Pelttari listened to opposing views but ultimately made the decisions himself.

Former chief of staff Saana Nilsson also described the service as an organisation where the chief had the final say. Risto Värtö, the current head of counterterrorism, said Pelttari wanted to keep abreast of details in operational matters.

Harri Sarvanto, who held senior roles in counterintelligence and counterterrorism, described Pelttari as ambitious and effective. Sarvanto said Pelttari was able to keep his work at a strategic level without taking responsibility for everything himself.

Pelttari says he was not responsible for operations

In questioning by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Pelttari said he did not know how intelligence was conducted in the case at issue and was not aware of potentially unlawful arrangements involving intelligence sources. He also said he was not responsible for how subordinates stored or handled information.

The investigation found serious shortcomings over several years in the handling of intelligence information and the oversight of intelligence source work. In one case, the wife of a retired employee used by the service had access to emails and documents containing intelligence information. The employee’s email account was later hacked, and the information ended up with the Russian state.

Much of Pelttari’s interview records and other pre-trial material has been kept secret.

Tags: Finland, intelligence, courts