Feb 25 • 05:30 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

Police investigated million-euro deals in Espoo – Buyer and seller the same person, higher offers not accepted

The police concluded their investigation into a multi-million euro sale of the Espoo Metro arena, determining no criminal offenses were committed despite concerns raised about the transaction.

An investigation was conducted by the Helsinki police regarding the sale of the Espoo Metro arena, which transferred ownership to a new proprietor. The inquiry was prompted by a request from Jussi Salonojan's largest creditor, who questioned potential wrongdoing by the seller in completing the transaction with an entity represented by Mika Taberman, a person affiliated with the creditor. Allegations included violations of business secrecy and the improper use of confidential information.

The Metro arena was sold for just under five million euros last May; however, there was an initial offer that exceeded six million euros, believed to have been made by a group of investors associated with Kiekko-Espoon's administration and other stakeholders. This offer was rejected by the seller, who was the same individual as the buyer, leading to suspicions about the legitimacy and transparency of the deal. Despite these concerns, the police found no evidence of illegal activity, leading them to conclude the investigation without any charges.

This case raises important questions about the integrity of high-value real estate transactions in the region, particularly when insiders are involved in both the purchasing and selling processes. The rejection of a higher bid from other investors adds a layer of intrigue to the transaction, underscoring the potential for conflicts of interest and the importance of proper oversight in the sale of public assets. The conclusion of the investigation allows for the new ownership to proceed without further complications but highlights the need for continued scrutiny in future dealings of this nature.

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