Police investigate Karelian Language Association leadership for fraud in Finland

Police have intensified their investigation into allegations of wrongdoing against the leadership of the Karelian Language Association. According to Eastern Finland Police Chief Criminal Investigator Minna Willman-Koistinen, the investigation has expanded based on preliminary findings, extensive interrogations, and a specialized inquiry based on criminal grounds.

Several new charges have been added, including aggravated subsidy fraud, serious fraud, and suspected serious bookkeeping offenses. This constitutes a serious criminal case. Seven individuals who served on the board of the association, which went bankrupt four years ago, are under suspicion. The board has been led by Archbishop Leo of the Orthodox Church throughout the organization’s existence. Founded in Joensuu in 1995, the association aims to revitalize the Karelian language and culture.

Archbishop Leo has declined to comment on the investigation, suggesting that media interest in the matter is merely an attempt to target him, stating he will only discuss the issue with law enforcement. “I do not wish to comment at all,” he said.

The police’s suspicions revolve around possible violations of the conditions tied to state subsidies that were granted to the association between March 2017 and September 2020. The total amount of assistance during this period was €565,000, according to Willman-Koistinen. She emphasizes that the investigation is still in preliminary stages and that these remain mere suspicions.

The police continue to conduct additional interrogations and gather more evidence, with a specialized inquiry also ongoing. Willman-Koistinen believes the preliminary investigation materials will soon be sent for final statements before transitioning to prosecution review. The police have been working closely with the regional prosecutor throughout the investigation.