The Finnish Security Police SUPO spent more money on preventing terrorism last year than ever before. SUPO spent 31 per cent of its 2008 budget on fighting terrorism, up from 28 per cent in 2007.
Counter-espionage continues to take the largest percentage of SUPO’s budget. Last year, it took slightly over one third of all SUPO spending, down significantly from 44 per cent in 2007.
The figures come out in last year’s review, which SUPO made public in connection with Friday’s celebration of the organisation’s 60th anniversary.
Although SUPO focuses on terrorism, the threat that it poses remains small in Finland. SUPO chief Ilkka Salmi does not see much of a threat of acts of terror against key power structures in Finland.
The focus of SUPO interest in terror has been on the activities of hard-line Islamists. To repel the threat, SUPO has sought new cooperative partners in North Africa and the Middle East.
According to SUPO, there are strong indications that groups involved in conflicts in the Muslim world are getting support from Finland. SUPO says that officials are monitoring possible support networks.
SUPO resources have grown evenly in recent years. Whereas just under 190 people worked for SUPO at the beginning of the decade, personnel now numbers 220. This year’s budget is EUR 16 million.
