Former Finnish Ministry Official Convicted Of Bribery And Abuse Of Office

On October 31, 2024, Olli Sorainen, a high-ranking former official at Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, was convicted of aggravated bribery and abuse of public office. He was sentenced to one year of suspended prison time, ordered to repay €7,500, and removed from his civil service position. Sorainen requested and accepted financial assistance from Jukka Kristo, the former CEO of Polarica, to purchase violins for his children. The court linked his actions to his involvement in berry picking legislation and permits, which aided Polarica in avoiding reductions in Thai berry pickers.