Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen: The incorrect register entry to be thoroughly investigated

“I wish to express my sincerest apologies to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for the incorrect entry in the Suspect Data System. I find it essential that the matter be thoroughly investigated, and if necessary, a pre-trial investigation conducted,” says Minister of the Interior Päivi Räsänen.

Ms Räsänen was informed today, on Wednesday 10 April, that an incorrect entry regarding President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin had been made into the Suspect Data System of the police. Ms Räsänen took immediate action to look into the matter. The National Police Board, which is the data controller, stated that the entry in the System was incorrect and the National Bureau of Investigation deleted the entry immediately.

”The Ministry of the Interior takes the matter very seriously if a member of the police personnel makes entries into the Suspect Data System without a legal basis. Provisions on the data entered into the System are laid down by law. Everyone who has the right to make these entries should know the law,” emphasises Ms Räsänen.

The Ministry of the Interior is currently carrying out a project concerning the internal monitoring of police action.

For further information, please contact Permanent Secretary Päivi Nerg, tel. +358 71 878 8203, Special Adviser Andrei Nahkala, tel. +358 71 878 8212.