New developments in the Finnish berry-picker case as Finnish police have completed a preliminary investigation into suspected bribery involving berry picking businesses and Thai authorities. The case is now being considered by Finland’s prosecution service.
Prosecutors said possible charges include aggravated bribery and bribery. They said several suspects are being considered for prosecution.
Investigators suspect officials at Thailand’s Department of Employment demanded and received payments per picker in 2020–2023. Police said bank records suggest many Finnish berry companies made such payments in 2021.
Police said company coordinators in Thailand arranged transfers, withdrew cash, and delivered it to an official. Investigators also suspect companies later charged Thai pickers for the payments through other fees.
he suspicions emerged alongside a wider human trafficking investigation involving Thai berry pickers in Finland. Police said Thai authorities are also investigating suspected corruption, and Finnish police have shared evidence.
