Finland probes break-ins at MPs' homes; president calls it attack on democracy

Finnish authorities said on Thursday they are investigating a "significant" number of suspected break-ins at the homes of members of parliament, with President Alexander Stubb calling the case an "attack on democracy." Police in Helsinki confirmed they have opened a preliminary investigation, working closely with the National Bureau of Investigation.

Parliament speaker Jussi Halla-aho told a press conference that several MPs had reported finding signs of break-ins at their homes in recent days. "I cannot comment exactly on the number of suspected cases known to us, but in any case it is significant," he said, adding that the known cases span a longer period, with the first believed to have occurred around a year ago.

Nothing was stolen or destroyed, but traces of forced entry were found at the homes, Halla-aho said, according to NewsIT. He said it was not yet clear who was responsible or what the motive might be, and declined to say how many MPs were affected.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo did not rule out the possibility that a foreign state was behind the break-ins. "It's very possible. These days that's entirely possible," he said when asked. "If someone is trying to destabilise Finland, undermine our sense of security or, for example, our support for Ukraine, it has the opposite effect. It strengthens our unity," he said.

Paula Risikko, the deputy speaker who heads parliament's security group, said she was informed of the suspicions last week and tasked Helsinki police with an initial investigation stage. Newspaper Ilta-Sanomat had reported earlier in the week that MPs were warned about possible break-ins, saying it was aware of at least two cases itself.

All MPs have been urged to remain vigilant, report anything suspicious and contact police if necessary. Police said the investigation is at an early stage and that they have no further comment for now.