Probe into Kulmuni training scandal begins

The Helsinki police have decided to open a preliminary investigation into the training scandal which prompted the resignation of former finance minister Katri Kulmuni.

The police, based on the findings of an initial enquiry, suspected that an official was actively involved in the incident and decided to open investigation into the matter, said the police in a press release on Tuesday.

The law-enforcing agency, however, did not disclose the identity of the suspect.

“Based on an initial inquiry, there is reason to suspect a crime and the police will open a preliminary investigation,” said Police Inspector Teemu Jokinen.

He said at this stage they suspect one official of being extensively involved in the service procurement incident.

Earlier, in last week, the economic affairs and employment ministry completed an internal probe into the matter.

Former finance minister Katri Kulmuni resigned on 5 June, following a controversy raised over a service procurement of about EUR 50,000 from a communications consultancy firm.

The former minister, also the chair of the Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party of Finland), the second largest component of the five-party ruling alliance, however, continues as the chairperson of the Keskusta.

Kulmuni’s resignation came following a report published in the Demokraatti, a newspaper of the Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland-SDP), on 5 June, which said the police have launched a probe into Kulmuni’s procurement of services from the private consulting company Tekir which cost about 50,000 euros.

The company, Tekir, operated by communications consultant Harri Saukkomaa, coached Kulmuni in speeches, public appearances and one-on-one interviews.

The invoices for the training services were sent to the finance ministry and the economic affairs and employment ministry.