In Helsinki, authorities seized property and land of the "Russian Center for Science and Culture"

The land and real estate of the Russian Center for Science and Culture have been seized in Helsinki. The center is part of Russia's "soft" influence, but it is likely that it is also used for espionage activities.

Source. This was reported by RFI with reference to Helsingin Sanomat.

This decision is related to EU sanctions.

Within three weeks, the bailiff will determine whether the land and building of the center are under the control of a person under sanctions.

It is reported that the land and buildings of the scientific and cultural center were frozen back in July 2022, so the Russian Federation cannot dispose of this property.

In addition, the Debt Recovery Office has arrested seven apartments in the Finnish capital. They are connected to the Rossotrudnichestvo agency, which is under sanctions and operates under the auspices of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Also in March, the center's account in a Finnish bank was frozen. Last summer, it became known that the activities of this scientific and cultural center are influenced by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service.

On April 5, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs suspended the work of the Petrozavodsk branch of the Consulate General in St. Petersburg for an indefinite period.

Background. As we wrote, Putin's friends are successfully hiding their billions from European authorities with the help of local pros, an investigation has found.