Finnish Border Guard’s criminal intelligence activities to be strengthened to combat organised crime

On 27 August, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal for legislation on the criminal intelligence activities of the Finnish Border Guard. The proposal would improve the Border Guard’s ability to prevent and combat organised crime involving illegal entry into Finland and human trafficking, as well as other serious crime.

The proposal includes provisions on criminal intelligence methods and their use in threat-informed criminal intelligence. More effective preventive action is required because the threats posed by crime have become more serious, more diverse and more rapidly evolving. Because of this, intelligence collection must begin at an earlier stage than is currently possible.

The Border Guard’s criminal intelligence activities focus on organised crime and other serious crime related to illegal entry and human trafficking. Such offences are typically committed by professional criminals and involve international networks and extensive criminal operations.

As outlined in the Government Programme, the Border Guard’s powers will be developed to meet the demands of the security environment and the combating of crime will be stepped up.

“The purpose of criminal intelligence regulation is to prevent the most serious forms of criminal activity from reaching Finland or taking place here. The threats are particularly linked to organised crime, which must be tackled decisively,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

Measures improving public safety and security

The proposed regulation would make it possible to initiate secret intelligence collection before a criminal scheme develops into an identified preventable offence in cases involving a serious criminal threat to the safety and security of an individual or society. 

Criminal intelligence methods could be targeted at individuals or identified groups who can be presumed to be involved in seriously threatening criminal activity, such as persons belonging to criminal organisations. The Border Guard’s threat-informed criminal intelligence would be overseen by the Intelligence Ombudsman.

The proposed acts are due to enter into force on 1 June 2027. As planned, the legislation would enter into force at the same time as the legislation on police criminal intelligence.

Inquiries:
Jouni Pulkkinen, Deputy Chief of Division, tel. +358 295 421 610, [email protected]
Roosa Leväinen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 421 615, [email protected]