Sarmaste released by the police

Image: screenshot of a video in which Sarmaste is interviewed by Iltalehti.

The Nomad Today

25 de April de 2020 (11:23 h.)

The police said the preliminary investigation continues and Sarmaste is still one of the suspects.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (Keskusrikospoliisi, KRP) has released two people who were arrested on Wednesday as part of a preliminary investigation selling to the National Emergency Supply Center (Huoltovarmuuskeskus) useless medical supplies to fight the coronavirus in hospitals.

According to Yle's information, one of those arrested and later released is businessman Onni Sarmaste.

The Director of Investigation Crime Commissioner Mikko Laaksonen from KRP said in a press release, “The persons are still suspects of the crime but according to the police's assessment, it is not necessary to demand that the persons be imprisoned.”

Criminal offenses currently under investigation include aggravated fraud and aggravated money laundering. KRP investigates the course of events, examines the material seized during the searches and hears the witnesses.

During the investigation, a total of approximately 3 million euros worth of funds and two value cars were seized.

The preliminary investigation will examine the content of the agreements concluded between the National Emergency Supply Center and the suppliers and whether the supply corresponded to the content of these agreements.

Sarmaste has claimed that he made a contract with the National Emergency Supply Center and the Government agency knew what kind of products they were buying.