The Estonian Prosecutor's Office has concluded that officials in Tallinn made multiple errors during the procurement of outdoor benches. Although there were violations detected, the investigation was closed because a key element necessary for prosecution was missing. This decision comes after a criminal investigation was launched by the Central Criminal Police last July, prompted by concerns from Tallinn's internal audit, which suggested that the Environmental and Municipal Service did not have adequate oversight of its procurement contracts.

The internal audit raised alarms about the tender processes for street furniture and public toilets, indicating that product descriptions were aligned with specific companies, which raised potential conflicts of interest. Following an investigation that concluded in December of the previous year, the Central Criminal Police forwarded their findings to the Prosecutor's Office, ultimately leading to the decision to drop the case due to an absence of intentional wrongdoing. Senior Prosecutor Kaido Tuulemäe provided insights into the matter while explaining the legal rationale behind the closure of the case.

This outcome highlights ongoing issues within public procurement practices in Tallinn and raises questions about the accountability and transparency of municipal officials. While the investigation found procedural mistakes, the lack of criminal intent might signal a broader need for reform in procurement oversight to prevent future irregularities in local government contracts.