The city of Lohja in Finland has submitted a police complaint concerning potential misconduct by the recently dismissed sector manager of city construction, Pekka Puistosalo. This action follows findings from an internal audit that revealed alarming discrepancies amounting to millions of euros in violations of procurement laws and the city's own regulations. The Lohja City Council dismissed Puistosalo on Monday and simultaneously decided to report the entire issue to the police.

On the same day, the technical services director, Markus Moisio, was also dismissed as part of this broader investigation. According to the internal audit, the sector has committed serious violations, such as failing to properly procure services, exceeding contract values significantly, and unlawfully breaking contracts into smaller parts to circumvent legal requirements. These findings have raised serious questions about the financial management and ethical standards within the city's administrative practices.

The investigation centers on specific procurement decisions, including a case where the city engaged services for access control and locking systems totaling €90,000. As this investigation unfolds, it highlights the critical need for transparency and adherence to legal standards in municipal operations, while also indicating a potential culture of negligence or misconduct at higher administrative levels. The outcome could lead to further legal actions and revisions of policies to ensure accountability in public spending.