Finnish police and the Border Guard reportedly suspect that a person arranged fictitious employment relationships for foreign nationals, enabling them to obtain residence permits and eventually apply for Finnish citizenship, Anadolu Agency reported.
At least 12 Russian citizens are suspected of having received Finnish citizenship on false grounds, while applications from another five people were still under consideration, according to the report.
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Authorities believe the alleged scheme may have operated for more than two decades. The main suspect is reported to have established several companies in southeastern Finland beginning in 2003.
An investigation launched in 2024 found that the suspect and alleged accomplices may have taken Finnish-language proficiency tests and completed Finnish-language study modules on behalf of other applicants.
Applicants for Finnish citizenship are required to demonstrate proficiency in either Finnish or Swedish.
Investigators believe the individuals involved would not have had a genuine opportunity to obtain Finnish citizenship without the alleged fraudulent arrangements.
Authorities are investigating the applicants and the main suspect on suspicion of aggravated fraud. The probe also covers suspected aggravated forgery and aggravated accounting offenses.
The case highlights concerns over potential abuse of Finland’s residency and citizenship procedures, particularly where employment and language requirements are used to establish eligibility.
