State Officials Face Trial Over Unclear Procurements in Reform Schools
The Helsinki District Court has begun processing charges against two former high-ranking officials accused of breaching their official duties in connection with procurements for state reform schools. The case involves unclear transactions worth hundreds of thousands of euros, with hearings scheduled over four days.
The defendants are Kaisa Lepola, former director of the state child protection unit, and Jani Méling, former development manager of state reform schools. Both deny any wrongdoing, with Lepola stating she did not act unlawfully and Méling claiming he did not knowingly violate regulations.
Procurement Irregularities Under Scrutiny
The charges stem from procurements made between 2021 and 2023, with the prosecutor alleging multiple violations of procurement law. MTV Uutiset reports that key procurement documents, including decisions and contracts, were missing in cases where they were legally required. These omissions affect transactions exceeding €20,000.
Among the disputed procurements, Méling approved over €30,000 worth of flatbed trailers from a company whose CEO co-owns a bar with him in Lohja. The prosecutor also highlights improper advance payments, such as a refunded deposit to Scandic Hotels for potential training sessions, which violated the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) guidelines (MTV Uutiset).
Additionally, Méling is accused of failing to finalize procurement decisions and participating in the process for pallet carts while disqualified. Yle notes that internal THL audits in 2024 uncovered further irregularities, including questionable travel, restaurant, and alcohol expenses, as well as concerns over secondary employment of management.
Background and Consequences
Lepola, a Social Democratic Party member, previously served as chair of the Regional State Administrative Agency for Häme before her dismissal, though the decision remains under appeal. Méling, affiliated with the Greens, was suspended from his role and currently works as an entrepreneur and city council member in Lohja.
The case emerged after MTV Uutiset exposed suspicious transactions in November 2024, prompting THL to launch internal audits. A police preliminary investigation was subsequently initiated at the end of the same year (Yle). Both defendants maintain their innocence, with the court proceedings expected to clarify the extent of their involvement in the alleged misconduct.
