Russian Investigative Committee Chairman on working visit in Finland

A delegation headed by Chairman of the RF Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin paid a working visit to Finland on 2-3 February 2017.

On 2 February, the Chairman had talks with Finland’s National Police Commissioner Seppo Kolehmainen at the Police Department in Helsinki to discuss pressing issues of developing cooperation in fighting crimes under the Cooperation Agreement signed in 2011between the RF Investigative Committee and the Finland’s Ministry of the Interior.

The talks were continued at the Central Criminal Police of Finland in the town of Vantaa and were attended by The Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation Robin Lardot. The parties talked in detail about battling organized crime, fighting money laundering and cybercrimes, cooperation and legal assistance regarding certain criminal cases.

Mr. Bastrykin awarded some officials of the Finland’s Central Criminal Police medal of the RF Investigative Committee “For Assistance” and “For Improving International Cooperation” for assistance to investigate the activity of a criminal community in Russia and Finland.

On 3 February, the official visit was continued by a working meeting of the Chairman with Interior Minister of Finland Paula Risikko. During a constructive dialogue the officials discussed current issues and prospects of bilateral cooperation, brought areas of such cooperation up to date. They also exchange opinions on holding joint events and discussed the introduction of new forms and mechanisms of cooperation and steps for optimization of joint efforts made by investigative authorities to fight crimes.

The officials pointed out that in determining global vector of further cooperation in different areas it was necessary to consider such factors as development of crime, new and more sophisticated forms of crimes, including with the regard to the spread of modern information and telecommunication technologies, which suggest the necessity to join efforts in all possible areas to battle modern challenges and threats.

Agreements were reached on further close cooperation and assistance provided within agencies’ competence.

Acting Head of Media Relations                                                                                                               S.L. Petrenko