Foreign intelligence gathering in Finland is increasing

Security Police issue annual report for 2004

Hannu Moilanen

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In its annual report for 2004, the Finnish Security Police (SUPO) says that foreign intelligence gathering in Finland last year continued more actively than in recent previous years, and that the methods used bring back memories of the negative surveillance activities conducted in Finland in the past.
      As before, foreign intelligence gathering focused on Finland's security policy, EU issues, and international economic matters, as well as on civil and military technology.
     
According to the deputy head of SUPO, Hannu Moilanen, "Such negative methods imply that the use of traditional secret surveillance activities has increased and that even money has been used to gather information. Just the way it used to be a long time ago".
      SUPO's annual report states that typically, a foreign intelligence service gathers the basic information about a target by open contacts and from public sources, whereas more in-depth information can only be reached through confidential contacts or accomplices who have access to useful know-how. This kind of information includes political inside knowledge, military plans, and authorities' operational routines, as well as corporate secrets.
     
One of last year's key targets for political intelligence gathering in Finland was the debate on NATO membership. On the other hand, military intelligence gathering focused on Finland's defensive preparedness as well as on the EU project on common armed forces, SUPO writes.
      Economic information gathering includes regulations concerning trade and commerce, currency issues, investments, and energy policy. This kind of intelligence gathering aims at improving the competitive position of the service's own state.
      Primary targets for information gathering activities are enterprises that produce interesting civil or military technology. Even corporate espionage is used if required.
     
SUPO's message on international terrorism is the same as before: while there is no imminent threat, Finland has to be awake and alert to danger.
      "Finland must not become a terrorist harbour or a base where they can plan and prepare their attacks. The table must be kept clean, particularly because Finland is to host several large international events in the near future".


Previously in HS International Edition:
  SUPO Report: Most damaging part of Stasi intelligence-gathering was flow of information to KGB (6.5.2004)

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