Finnish police are to look into claims by a prostitute that a senior Helsinki police official helped her run a prostitution service. After reports in Finnish daily publication Helsingin Sanomat, Chief Inspector Jari Aarnio, who is in charge of Helsinki’s drug squad, will be investigated by the State Prosecutor’s office.
The newspaper alleges that Aarnio helped a woman establish and run a prostitution service.
District Attorney Jukka Haavisto described it as an unusual investigation, and said they are currently looking into whether the correct procedures were followed. He added that he hopes the investigation is completed by autumn.
Helsingin Sanomat published a story on Sunday that quoted a woman openly talking about her alleged relationship with the police official, who she claimed she first met in 1997.
The woman, who is believed to have worked as a prostitute and run a prostitution service, has reportedly given the investigation team a computer and six mobile phones with evidence on to back up her claims. She said they will prove the relationship she claims they had has not been fabricated.
Meanwhile, Finnish chief of police Mikko Paatero has welcomed the investigation. He noted that it is good the investigation is being carried out, particularly to ensure the officer in question’s legal protection.