The Kainuu Border Guard has launched a criminal investigation into two Sotkamo-based forestry firms suspected of exploiting Finland’s work-permit system to funnel nearly 180 foreign nationals into the country under false pretences. Five individuals—among them a Ukrainian national and Nepalese recruiters—are already in custody on charges that include aggravated facilitation of illegal entry, aggravated extortion and human trafficking.
Authorities say the companies obtained residence permits for brush-saw operators and seasonal loggers, then either failed to provide the promised jobs or forced employees to endure 18-hour shifts in remote forests for sub-minimum wages. Victims, many of whom paid up to €3,500 in recruitment fees, included more than 50 Nepalese workers who alleged passport confiscation and threats of dismissal if they complained.
![Two Finnish forestry companies probed for large-scale visa abuse and human-trafficking scheme]()
The scam came to light after labour-inspectors flagged irregularities in pay records and accommodation during routine audits. Subsequent tip-offs allowed the Border Guard to track movements of workers who left Finland shortly after arrival, suggesting the scheme also acted as a gateway for secondary migration into other EU states.
For multinational employers, the case is a stark reminder that Finland’s once-streamlined work-permit channels are now under stricter scrutiny. The Immigration Service (Migri) and TE Offices are expected to tighten background checks on sponsoring companies, while parliamentarians have floated harsher penalties—including loss of employer certification—for firms that misuse permits.
Mobility teams should audit Finnish third-party vendors, ensure recruitment partners are licensed, and budget extra time for permit approvals as automation tools flag anomalies. Workers already in Finland may also face re-verification interviews, so HR should keep employment contracts, payslips and accommodation details readily available.
Authorities say the companies obtained residence permits for brush-saw operators and seasonal loggers, then either failed to provide the promised jobs or forced employees to endure 18-hour shifts in remote forests for sub-minimum wages. Victims, many of whom paid up to €3,500 in recruitment fees, included more than 50 Nepalese workers who alleged passport confiscation and threats of dismissal if they complained.
The scam came to light after labour-inspectors flagged irregularities in pay records and accommodation during routine audits. Subsequent tip-offs allowed the Border Guard to track movements of workers who left Finland shortly after arrival, suggesting the scheme also acted as a gateway for secondary migration into other EU states.
For multinational employers, the case is a stark reminder that Finland’s once-streamlined work-permit channels are now under stricter scrutiny. The Immigration Service (Migri) and TE Offices are expected to tighten background checks on sponsoring companies, while parliamentarians have floated harsher penalties—including loss of employer certification—for firms that misuse permits.
Mobility teams should audit Finnish third-party vendors, ensure recruitment partners are licensed, and budget extra time for permit approvals as automation tools flag anomalies. Workers already in Finland may also face re-verification interviews, so HR should keep employment contracts, payslips and accommodation details readily available.
