A Finnish company is now at the center of the Finnish company Ukraine bulletproof vest scandal, after a €5.7 million military supply deal with Ukraine led to a major financial crime investigation.
Authorities say the contract, which involved delivering bulletproof vests to the Ukrainian armed forces, may have involved fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.
In 2022, the company signed a €5.7 million agreement with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. The deal included the delivery of 10,000 bulletproof vests, with 5,000 units reportedly shipped that summer. But investigators now believe those items failed to meet the agreed safety and quality standards.
H4: Finnish company Ukraine bulletproof vest scandal under investigation
The case has turned serious. One individual is currently suspected of three major offenses: aggravated fraud, aggravated embezzlement, and aggravated money laundering. While three people were initially under investigation, only one remains the focus as authorities narrow their case.
Two individuals were held during the early stages, but the investigation now centers on a single suspect. Officials suggest more charges could come, depending on further findings.
Lead investigator Mikko Laaksonen confirmed that the preliminary investigation is nearly complete. Unless new evidence surfaces, the case will be handed over to Finnish prosecutors soon.
Close cooperation between Finland and Ukraine
The criminal probe began after Ukraine submitted a formal request for legal assistance toward the end of 2023. Since then, law enforcement teams in both countries have worked closely to uncover the full scope of the suspected crimes.
Finnish authorities have not named the company involved, but the incident raises fresh questions around international defense contracts, oversight, and wartime accountability. Given the scale of the deal and its connection to an active war zone, both governments are treating the matter as a high priority.
Investigators say more information will be released once the case reaches the next legal phase. Until then, the Finnish company at the center of the scandal remains under heavy scrutiny.
