Risto Jääskeläinen, the former commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard, has been charged with misconduct in office. The charge, reported by STT, follows an investigation that was initially triggered by a separate incident involving Jääskeläinen being suspected of driving under the influence. The Central Criminal Police indicated that the misconduct charge involves the improper use of a vehicle belonging to the Border Guard, which allegedly violated established regulations and guidelines.

Due to Jääskeläinen's high rank in the military, the new misconduct charge will be handled at the appellate court level. The timing of the main hearing has yet to be announced. This case reflects ongoing scrutiny of high-ranking officials and may have broader implications for accountability in military and governmental institutions in Finland, especially following prior convictions related to driving offenses.

In December, Jääskeläinen was sentenced to 70 days of conditional imprisonment and 40 daily fines for serious drunk driving and endangering public safety. He was found to have been driving a Border Guard vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit and lost control of the vehicle, leading to serious legal repercussions. The developing details of his case highlight significant concerns regarding conduct within Finland's security forces and the importance of upholding public trust in such institutions.