Finland Probes Suspected Break-Ins at Lawmakers' Homes
Security agencies are examining possible foreign interference after intruders gained entry into Finnish politicians' residences without stealing property.
Finnish police opened an investigation on Thursday into suspected intrusions at the homes of members of parliament in the Helsinki area. The preliminary inquiry involves the Helsinki police department, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service.
Authorities acted after lawmakers reported signs of unauthorized entry into their residences. Nothing was stolen during the intrusions, but perpetrators left deliberate traces of their presence behind. The incidents took place over the course of the past year.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters that foreign state involvement was very possible. He said any attempt to destabilize Finland or erode public support for Ukraine would fail and instead strengthen national unity. Orpo also warned about the risk of election interference ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho said his office learned of the reports last week. He said the total number of suspected cases was significant and involved members from several political parties. Halla-aho noted that covert intrusions of this type align with tactics commonly used by foreign intelligence services.
President Alexander Stubb called the suspected intrusions an attack on democracy and said such actions cannot be accepted. Relations between Helsinki and Moscow have deteriorated since Finland joined NATO following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Parliamentary security officials have urged all lawmakers to check their homes and report any suspicious activity immediately. Police and intelligence officials said their joint preliminary investigation will continue as they gather evidence to identify those responsible.
