Finnish authorities investigate break-ins at critical water utilities amid national security concerns

During the summer, Finnish citizens expressed concern over reports of break-ins at several water utilities across the country. These facilities are considered critical infrastructure. Last year, the Finnish Security and Emergency Services Authority urged companies critical to national security to raise their preparedness levels, particularly regarding vital infrastructure.

The police in Eastern Uusimaa are currently investigating break-ins at the water utilities in Porvoo and Sipoo. Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) has taken on three break-in cases that occurred in the Pirkanmaa region. No new cases have been reported to the KRP. According to Crime Commissioner Markus Keinänen from the KRP, investigations into the three cases are ongoing.

In June, there were break-ins at the Tesoma water tower in Tampere and a booster station located in Hervanta. Although no vandalism occurred, locks on the doors were damaged. Additionally, the KRP is looking into an alarm that was triggered at a water intake facility of Tampere Water in Kangasala in June. Both the police and the water utility believe that the alarm may have been a false alarm.

Crime Commissioner Markus Keinänen stated that there is currently no additional information to report on the progress of the preliminary investigations. He also added that apart from the incidents targeting water utilities, there have been no developments that would warrant particular concern.