Finland security threats are growing as extremist violence among young people and attempts by organised crime to infiltrate state institutions increasingly challenge national safety. The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, Supo, presented its latest assessment in Helsinki, outlining how foreign intelligence, online radicalisation, and urban segregation create complex risks for the country.
Russia remains the primary intelligence threat to Finland. Supo reports that Russian operations focus on Finnish foreign policy, NATO membership, border security, and critical infrastructure. The agency warns that Russia’s strategic ambitions will continue regardless of the war in Ukraine. Should the conflict end, intelligence and influence operations may shift to other regions. China is also active in Finland, using human intelligence and cyber espionage to advance its geopolitical goals.
The review highlights rising violent extremism among youth, driven by radical Islamist and far-right ideologies. Supo notes that online communities play a central role in radicalisation. Vulnerable young people are exposed to extremist content that often encourages self-destructive or violent behaviour. Far-right supporters pose increasing risks of targeted attacks against minorities or political leaders. Far-left rhetoric also raises concerns, though the focus is on the growing influence of online platforms in amplifying polarising messages.
Organised crime is another pressing concern. Supo reports that criminal groups are attempting to gain access to state institutions, including police training programs. Many connections involve motorcycle gangs. Attempts to infiltrate ports, security authorities, and other strategic sectors are becoming more frequent, as criminal networks exploit gaps in institutional oversight.
Social segregation in major cities contributes to vulnerability. Clusters of poverty and concentrated immigrant populations may increase the risk of youth recruitment by gangs or extremist groups. Recruitment often promises money, status, or a sense of belonging to those seeking purpose. Supo stresses that segregation alone does not cause crime, but concentrated disadvantage can accelerate exposure to radicalisation.
Digital infrastructure poses emerging security challenges. Supo recommends domestic cloud computing solutions to safeguard sensitive government information. Reliance on foreign providers reduces oversight and increases the risk of data breaches. Artificial intelligence also presents new threats, enabling hostile actors to generate polarising content, misinformation, and propaganda in Finnish and other smaller languages. Limited public awareness of AI tools increases the potential for online radicalisation.
A report by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra links social media algorithms to risks for democratic debate. Research indicates that political content recommended to young Finnish users often leans toward the right. Provocative posts are amplified, while bot accounts and AI-generated material increasingly spread conspiracy theories, hate speech, and misinformation. One third of young adults in Finland report regular exposure to harmful online content. European regulators have begun action, including the Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to disclose political advertising and reduce addictive features.
Supo’s review underscores that Finland faces a multifaceted security landscape shaped by foreign intelligence, violent extremism, organised crime, social inequality, and evolving technology. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts across government institutions, urban planning, and digital policy, emphasizing resilience, prevention, and the protection of youth and critical infrastructure.
