Kanerva bribery investigation passed on to prosecutors for consideration

Investigation believed to involve suspicion that donations for birthday party were bribes

Ilkka Kanerva

print this

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and current National Coalition Party MP Ilkka Kanerva could face charges of bribery.
      The Helsinki Criminal Police announced on Friday that on the basis of their preliminary investigation, Kanerva is suspected of taking a bribe. Deputy Prosecutor General Jorma Kalske will decide whether or not formal charges will be filed.
      Kanerva has previously said that the investigation is linked with his 60th birthday celebrations. Nova Real Estate Development, which later went bankrupt, helped fund the lavish celebrations to the tune of EUR 17,000. Kanerva has later returned money to the bankrupt estate of Nova.
     
The head of the investigation, Markku Nisula, did not want to give details about the investigation, but he did say that Kanerva denies any wrongdoing.
      Nisula did not reveal who are suspected of paying the alleged bribe. According to information previously in the news, police were interested in possible linkages between the Nova Group and the regional zoning plans of the region of Southwest Finland.
      Kanerva is the chairman of the board of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland. Nova Group was the parent company of Nova Real Estate Development.
     
The Finnish News Agency STT reports that the former Nova directors Arto Merisalo and Tapani Yli-Saunamäki are suspected of giving the bribes.
      “It’s good that there has been an investigation, considering that the air has been thick with all kinds of allegations”, Merisalo said on Friday. STT did not reach Yli-Saunamäki.
      However, businessman Toivo Sukari admitted that he is under suspicion of giving a bribe. He took part in election fundraising, and in paying the costs of Kanerva’s birthday celebrations. He also insisted that he is innocent of any wrongdoing, and said that he is certain that he would not be punished.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Police question Ilkka Kanerva over financing of 60th birthday party (29.3.2010)
  TV report says Nova Group paid part of costs of Kanerva birthday celebration (27.11.2008)
  Records of Nova Group bankruptcy estate show reckless spending (10.9.2009)
  Foreign Minister pulls out all the stops in 60th birthday bash (28.1.2008)

Helsingin Sanomat