The head of Finland's Security Police, Seppo Nevala, has been suspended. The decision was made by Interior Minister Kari Rajamäki on Tuesday.
Several officials in the Security Police, or Supo, have been under investigation for illegally prying into private phone records. Nevala is suspected of trying to cover up the incidents. It's believed that he did not immediately file a criminal report when he found out that one of his subordinates possessed illegally-retrieved records.
Nevala's position with Supo will be re-examined once the public prosecutor has reached a decision on whether to press criminal charges against him. Department head Hannu Moilanen will step in for Nevala until a final decision is reached.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen approves of the decision to temporarily remove Nevala. However, he points out that this in no way indicates whether Nevala will be fired from his post.
Nevala has been the head of the Security Police since 1996. He’s been working with Supo and the Interior Ministry since 1978.
YLE24, Finnish News Agency