Russian criminal group launders largest sum in Finland's history
Two Estonian citizens were arrested in Finland on charges of laundering more than 100 million euros for a Russian organized criminal group, reports Yle TV channel.
The money laundering was carried out with the assistance of the Finnish HTR Talonrakennus Oy construction company. Estonians, who led this firm, received charges of laundering 140 million criminal euros. Now the detainees deny their guilt, claiming that the money was allegedly intended for the construction of roads in Karelia.
It was not possible to bring Russian citizens to justice because of the jurisdiction issue. Finnish Central criminal police began the investigation in 2014, during the investigation the complete chain of the Russian companies and banks participating in illegal activities was determined.
On August 7, European Commissioner for Justice Věra Jourová said that the EU countries need to take more measures against people "who threaten the security of Europe or want to launder its money." She stressed that the EU should not become a shelter for criminals, corruption, and dirty money.