Police: Finnish people warn of Russian influence campaign

Police: Finnish people warn of Russian influence campaign

This was reported today by Finnish Security Police (Skypo), which is affiliated with Säpo.

The whole society should be ready

In a statement, the security police said that Finnish citizens should be prepared for Russian influence during the NATO talks.

“The entire Finnish community must be prepared for the various actions that Russia is trying to take to disrupt our decision-making process on the NATO issue,” said Andy Beltari, head of the Security Police, in a statement.

Concerned about external influences

The Finnish security police fear that people will be afraid to take part in the debate.

Andy Beltari, the head of the Security Police, says it is the job of the authorities to ensure that outsiders are not influenced by Finland’s security policy decisions and to speak openly without fear. Press release.

The biggest security threats

Skybo says Russia’s biggest security threats are mixed attacks and illegal intelligence operations.

Hybrid attacks include methods that can be used by both the military and civilians. Svenska Yle reports that this could be targeted information campaigns, the spread of fake news or financial pressure.

Russian operations are expected to increase

– Security police estimate that Russia has the potential to expand its Internet and information operations from Ukraine to the West. Therefore, efforts against Finland are likely to increase in the coming months, says Peltari.

Elements of Russia are despicable for influencing and deceiving the public elsewhere, in Europe and the United States, in illegal ways when it comes to social problems and various social problems.

Russian magic factories

Russian magic factories seek to divide the West by spreading false information on Facebook and Instagram.

Through misinformation and aggression, Russian magic factories seek to destroy police, politicians, and social organizations in Sweden, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the West.

Sweden in Russian interest

Swedish security police have previously warned of Russian influence campaigns against Sweden.

“Russia has stated that Sweden is interested in them, and that Sweden has an opinion on whether or not to join NATO,” security chief of security Carolina Bjrnstoter Pasikiwi told Aftonbladet last week.

The Russians want to influence Swedish politics

– And there are very clear indications that people are interested in Swedish politics and Swedish positions, and we see actions, intelligence and advocacy from the Russian side, says Sabo.

Photo: Victor Svetberg, Government Offices

Text: Editors