Former Finnish intelligence chief charged with breach of official duties

Antti Pelttari, the former head of Finland’s Security Intelligence Service, known as SUPO, has been charged with breach of official duties, ERR reported, citing Helsingin Sanomat.

The charges concern what Helsingin Sanomat described as the largest criminal investigation in SUPO’s history. The events under investigation took place in August and September 2020.

The investigation is examining whether Finland’s national security service unlawfully used retirees in efforts to counter Russian espionage attempts. The retirees are suspected of receiving confidential information from the service that they may have processed without its supervision.

According to Helsingin Sanomat, charges have also been brought against Pertti Haaksluoto, the former head of counterintelligence, and one other person. They are accused of abuse of office.

During the investigation, Pelttari was also suspected of making decisions on intelligence methods in violation of regulations. He was further suspected of involvement in an operation in which false or misleading information was submitted to a court.

Both Pelttari and Haaksluoto have denied the allegations.

Pelttari faces a less severe possible punishment than his former subordinates. Breach of official duties is punishable by a fine or up to one year in prison, while abuse of office carries a penalty ranging from a fine to two years in prison.

Earlier in the investigation, Pelttari and Haaksluoto were suspected of considerably more serious offences, including the disclosure of state secrets, which is classified as a crime against the state.

Yle said it had not received information on whether further charges could be brought against Pelttari and Haaksluoto.

The criminal investigation changed and expanded several times as it progressed. After leaving his post as head of SUPO, Pelttari worked as secretary general of Finland’s Parliament, the Eduskunta, until he was removed from the position in 2025 because of the criminal allegations.