Suspected document forgery centre uncovered in Helsinki student flat
At least 17 Nigerians believed to have used false papers to get to Finland
A workshop producing forged documents is believed to have operated for several years in a student apartment in Helsinki.
The Finnish Border Guard believes that at least 17 Nigerians have managed to enter Finland illegally in 2005-2007 with the help of the forgeries produced by people with Nigerian backgrounds. Officials have prevented the entry of 12 other Nigerians suspected of trying to enter Finland with false documents.
The Border Guard suspects that the real number of Nigerians trying to enter Finland with falsified papers could be significantly higher, especially as the members of the suspected forgery ring were caught with falsified school certificates and other papers for 263 people.
The four people detained since last spring as the ring leaders all have Nigerian backgrounds. Charges against them include aggravated facilitation of illegal entry.
Investigators say that the group submitted applications to study in Finland on behalf of hundreds of Nigerians by sending applications to medium-level institutions and polytechs, mainly in the greater Helsinki region.
Many of the applicants were granted places to study.
“The forgeries were of such high quality that they were accepted by diplomatic missions, institutions of learning, the Directorate of Immigration, as well as police and the Border Guard”, says Marko Jokela, the head of the investigation.
Most of those who gained entry with the forged documents never showed up at the schools that they had applied for. Some started their studies, but usually dropped out in their first year.
The Border Guard says that the suspects also took part in organising the travel of a Nigerian football team to Norway for the Norway Cup last June.
The team would have included four people who were trying to enter Finland illegally as players, and another four who were coming as team officials. Finnish officials blocked their entry.
The student flat used by the suspects contained printers, scanners, photocopiers, and software for the production of certificates and applications.
“It was a full-service business, where they produced the forgeries from beginning to end by themselves”, Jokela says.
Partners of the suspects are believed to have forged certificates in Nigeria as well.
The Border Guard says that the group charged fees of between EUR 3,200 and EUR 4,500 for their services, which included a place to study and invitations required for a visa or residence permits, and a certificate of sufficient monetary means.
The fees also covered fake school and work certificates, as well as travel documents, help in buying travel tickets, reception in Finland, along with accommodation, and if necessary, help in applying for asylum.
Another way that the suspects are believed to have arranged illegal entry into Finland was by providing invitations. Seven Finns provided signatures for the invitations.
The main suspects are suspected of having threatened one Finn with bodily harm, and of blackmailing another.
The Border Guard investigation into the case is continuing.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 4.8.2008 - TODAY |
 Suspected document forgery centre uncovered in Helsinki student flat |
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