The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service’s (Supo) temporary main office in Katajanokka, Helsinki. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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A researcher at the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo) received a formal written warning after leaving classified documents on a train during an official assignment.
The incident occurred during a work trip earlier this year. The researcher was travelling with a backpack containing documents classified as “Security Class 2,” the second-highest level of secrecy in Finland. These documents are marked “secret” and are restricted from disclosure outside authorised personnel.
According to Supo, the researcher had placed the backpack beside him on an aisle seat. When changing trains, he put on his coat and exited, leaving the backpack behind.
The documents contained sensitive information that, if exposed, could have caused significant harm to national security or international relations.
Supo did not disclose where the incident happened, where the researcher was travelling, or any other details about the location, citing confidentiality regulations.
It remains unclear who found the bag, where it was delivered, or how Supo was informed. These details are redacted from the agency’s internal documentation. However, the available information suggests that the contents were recovered and did not fall into unauthorised hands.
During a disciplinary hearing in April, the researcher admitted forgetting the bag.
“I don’t have a clear memory of the exact moment, but I believe the train had already departed the station when I noticed it,” he said during questioning.
He described the incident as an unfortunate accident.
“I want to emphasise that I was performing official duties and was not engaged in any unrelated activity. It was an unfortunate oversight that caused a lot of extra work,” the researcher told the panel.
Supo concluded that the researcher had failed to fulfil his official responsibilities. The agency stated that he had neglected his duty to transport and supervise classified materials with due care.
According to Supo, the researcher was fully aware that the documents contained information whose misuse or disclosure could seriously damage Finland’s national interests.
In its ruling, Supo considered a written warning to be an appropriate consequence. The decision is subject to appeal.
The case comes at a time of increased scrutiny over Supo’s handling of sensitive information.
Last week, it was reported that former Supo director Antti Pelttari is under investigation for allegedly disclosing state secrets. The probe includes other former officials suspected of related offences.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
