Thai authorities are suspected of demanding bribes from Finnish berry-picking companies between 2020 and 2023. According to an investigation by Finnish police, Thailand’s Department of Employment (DOE) allegedly charged a fee per picker, facilitated through local coordinators.
Police findings reveal that companies may have passed these costs onto the Thai pickers by concealing them in other charges, leaving the pickers unaware of the true situation. The case surfaced during an investigation into human trafficking.
DOE officials reportedly demanded approximately €80 per picker in 2020 to issue necessary travel documents. Payments were often made in cash, and evidence includes photos and conversations.
While Finland’s investigation is ongoing, Thailand has launched its own corruption inquiry against former ministers and officials. Authorities are suspected of continuing the bribe demands until 2023.
Earlier suspicions of human trafficking in the berry industry led to an ongoing trial in Finland. Authorities are investigating whether the bribes and recruitment practices were linked to broader exploitation of Thai workers.
