Russia is facing what may sound like a bizarre accusation: sending its secret agents to defecate in the lavatories of Finnish MPs. Why, you may ask? As an intimidation tactic, purportedly in response to Russia's anger over Finland joining NATO. Finnish authorities are now investigating a series of suspected intrusions at the homes of members of parliament. This comes amid accusations that Russia could be staging an intimidation campaign targeting lawmakers.The unusual allegations gained attention after reports that as many as 20 MPs had discovered signs that someone had entered their homes. One lawmaker reportedly found faeces in a toilet. Notably, Finnish police have not identified those responsible or established a motive. Helsinki police and the National Bureau of Investigation are conducting a preliminary inquiry, which officials say is still at an early stage.Ben Zyskowicz, a senior MP from the ruling National Coalition Party, suggested the incidents could be intended to send a message to politicians. “It’s a way for the Russian intelligence service to show that people are being monitored, a way to create confusion or concerns,” he said, according to The Telegraph.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-dwight-d-eisenhower-returns-to-port-for-aircraft-systems-assessment-after-growler-mishap-1791252806297">USS Dwight D. Eisenhower returns to port for aircraft systems assessment after Growler mishap</a><h2>No theft, but signs allegedly left behind</h2>Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho said a “significant” number of suspected intrusions had been reported. The incidents are believed to have occurred over a longer period, with some dating back about a year.There were reportedly no clear signs of forced entry, and nothing appeared to have been stolen or damaged. Instead, MPs noticed small changes or objects in their homes that suggested someone may have entered while they were away. Halla-aho said such signs might have been deliberately left behind.Finnish authorities have urged MPs to remain alert and report suspicious activity. The Finnish Parliament has also begun working with Helsinki police and the National Bureau of Investigation to establish the scale and nature of the incidents. Parliament's deputy speaker Paula Risikko said authorities should determine who was responsible rather than speculate.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-plotting-something-bad-russia-may-launch-accidental-strikes-on-nato-countries-supporting-ukraine-britain-poland-pm-warns-1789697149962">Putin 'is plotting something bad': Russia may launch 'accidental' strikes on NATO countries supporting Ukraine, Poland PM warns</a><h2>Cold-war era tactic back in focus</h2>Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said it is possible that a foreign power could be responsible for the suspected intrusions. While there is currently no official finding linking Russia to the incidents, the alleged use of unexplained disturbances inside private homes has echoes of Cold War-era intelligence tactics. Such operations were designed not necessarily to steal information, but to make targets aware that their private spaces could be penetrated.In a method the US State Department has previously described as “home intrusions”, Russian and Soviet intelligence services have allegedly used similar intimidation techniques against diplomats, journalists and other targets, including moving personal belongings or leaving doors and windows open.&nbsp;<h2>Finnish officials warn of threat to democracy</h2>President Alexander Stubb has backed the lawmakers targeted by the suspected intrusions. “An attack on a member of parliament is an attack on democracy,” Stubb said, adding that such conduct should not be accepted.With parliamentary elections approaching in Finland, the incidents have heightened concerns about possible foreign interference or intimidation. Police, however, have stressed that the investigation is at an early stage and that the perpetrator and motive remain unknown.&nbsp;

Finnish MPs are reporting a series of mysterious intrusions at their homes, with one lawmaker reportedly finding faeces in a toilet. Russia has been suspected of orchestrating the incidents. But why would Moscow do this? All you need to know.

Russia is facing what may sound like a bizarre accusation: sending its secret agents to defecate in the lavatories of Finnish MPs. Why, you may ask? As an intimidation tactic, purportedly in response to Russia's anger over Finland joining NATO. Finnish authorities are now investigating a series of suspected intrusions at the homes of members of parliament. This comes amid accusations that Russia could be staging an intimidation campaign targeting lawmakers. The unusual allegations gained attention after reports that as many as 20 MPs had discovered signs that someone had entered their homes. One lawmaker reportedly found faeces in a toilet. Notably, Finnish police have not identified those responsible or established a motive. Helsinki police and the National Bureau of Investigation are conducting a preliminary inquiry, which officials say is still at an early stage. Ben Zyskowicz, a senior MP from the ruling National Coalition Party, suggested the incidents could be intended to send a message to politicians. “It’s a way for the Russian intelligence service to show that people are being monitored, a way to create confusion or concerns,” he said, according to The Telegraph. Also read | USS Dwight D. Eisenhower returns to port for aircraft systems assessment after Growler mishap No theft, but signs allegedly left behind Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho said a “significant” number of suspected intrusions had been reported. The incidents are believed to have occurred over a longer period, with some dating back about a year. There were reportedly no clear signs of forced entry, and nothing appeared to have been stolen or damaged. Instead, MPs noticed small changes or objects in their homes that suggested someone may have entered while they were away. Halla-aho said such signs might have been deliberately left behind. Finnish authorities have urged MPs to remain alert and report suspicious activity. The Finnish Parliament has also begun working with Helsinki police and the National Bureau of Investigation to establish the scale and nature of the incidents. Parliament's deputy speaker Paula Risikko said authorities should determine who was responsible rather than speculate. Also read | Putin 'is plotting something bad': Russia may launch 'accidental' strikes on NATO countries supporting Ukraine, Poland PM warns Cold-war era tactic back in focus Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said it is possible that a foreign power could be responsible for the suspected intrusions. While there is currently no official finding linking Russia to the incidents, the alleged use of unexplained disturbances inside private homes has echoes of Cold War-era intelligence tactics. Such operations were designed not necessarily to steal information, but to make targets aware that their private spaces could be penetrated. In a method the US State Department has previously described as “home intrusions”, Russian and Soviet intelligence services have allegedly used similar intimidation techniques against diplomats, journalists and other targets, including moving personal belongings or leaving doors and windows open. Finnish officials warn of threat to democracy President Alexander Stubb has backed the lawmakers targeted by the suspected intrusions. “An attack on a member of parliament is an attack on democracy,” Stubb said, adding that such conduct should not be accepted. With parliamentary elections approaching in Finland, the incidents have heightened concerns about possible foreign interference or intimidation. Police, however, have stressed that the investigation is at an early stage and that the perpetrator and motive remain unknown.

Finnish MPs are reporting a series of mysterious intrusions at their homes, with one lawmaker reportedly finding faeces in a toilet. Russia has been suspected of orchestrating the incidents. But why would Moscow do this? All you need to know.

'Russian spies,' faeces and Finnish MPs? Bizarre home intrusions spark intimidation fears

The Finland&nbsp;government is proposing to ban most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country in a move to protect national security, Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Monday.

Relations between Finland and neighbouring Russia have soured since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Helsinki to join the NATO military alliance after decades of non-alignment.

The proposed ban on real estate purchases would exempt dual citizens and Russians with permanent residence in Finland or other European Union nations, and is subject to expert consultations before a later vote by parliament.

"The regulations are aimed at preventing possible hostile influences against Finland," Hakkanen told a press conference.

Finland is already monitoring some 3,500 properties in the country linked to Russian owners, the minister said without elaborating.

Helsinki has for some time sought to limit Russian citizens' property acquisitions near strategic locations based on existing regulations, blocking three in October last year and another three in January this year.

Finland, which shares a 1,340 km (830 miles) border with Russia, has shut all crossings between the teo countries and accused the Kremlin of weaponising migration by encouraging Asian and African migrants to seek asylum there.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
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The Finland government is proposing to ban most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country in a move to protect national security, Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Monday.

The Finland government is proposing to ban most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country in a move to protect national security, Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Monday. Relations between Finland and neighbouring Russia have soured since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Helsinki to join the NATO military alliance after decades of non-alignment. The proposed ban on real estate purchases would exempt dual citizens and Russians with permanent residence in Finland or other European Union nations, and is subject to expert consultations before a later vote by parliament. "The regulations are aimed at preventing possible hostile influences against Finland," Hakkanen told a press conference. Finland is already monitoring some 3,500 properties in the country linked to Russian owners, the minister said without elaborating. Helsinki has for some time sought to limit Russian citizens' property acquisitions near strategic locations based on existing regulations, blocking three in October last year and another three in January this year. Finland, which shares a 1,340 km (830 miles) border with Russia, has shut all crossings between the teo countries and accused the Kremlin of weaponising migration by encouraging Asian and African migrants to seek asylum there. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Finland plans to ban Russians from buying property

Finland's government plans to amend border legislation to allow the building of barriers on its eastern frontier with Russia, it said on Thursday, in a move to strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finland, which is currently applying for membership in the Western military alliance NATO, has a history of wars with Russia, although currently the forest-covered border zone between the two countries is marked merely with signs and plastic lines for most of its 1,300-km (810-mile) length.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/as-finland-applies-for-nato-membership-finnish-women-sign-up-for-military-training-485889">As Finland applies for NATO membership, Finnish women sign up for military training</a>

The Finnish government has rushed to strengthen border security as it fears Russia could attempt to put pressure on Finland by sending asylum seekers to its borders, as the European Union accused Belarus of doing at the end of last year when hundreds of migrants from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa got stuck on the Polish border.

The government's amendments to the law include a proposal to enable concentrating the reception of asylum applications only at specific points of entry.

Under existing EU rules, migrants have the right to ask for asylum at any given entry point to an EU member country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-conflict-finnish-women-take-up-weapons-just-in-case-of-an-attack-485722">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish women take up weapons 'just in case' of an attack</a>

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The amendments would also allow the building of barriers such as fences, as well as new roads to facilitate border patrolling on the Finnish side.

"Later on, the government will decide on border barriers to the critical zones on the eastern border, on the basis of the Finnish Border Guard's assessment," minister of internal affairs Krista Mikkonen said in a statement.

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Finland's government plans to amend border legislation to allow the building of barriers on its eastern frontier with Russia, it said on Thursday, in a move to strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Finland's government plans to amend border legislation to allow the building of barriers on its eastern frontier with Russia, it said on Thursday, in a move to strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland, which is currently applying for membership in the Western military alliance NATO, has a history of wars with Russia, although currently the forest-covered border zone between the two countries is marked merely with signs and plastic lines for most of its 1,300-km (810-mile) length. Also read | As Finland applies for NATO membership, Finnish women sign up for military training The Finnish government has rushed to strengthen border security as it fears Russia could attempt to put pressure on Finland by sending asylum seekers to its borders, as the European Union accused Belarus of doing at the end of last year when hundreds of migrants from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa got stuck on the Polish border. The government's amendments to the law include a proposal to enable concentrating the reception of asylum applications only at specific points of entry. Under existing EU rules, migrants have the right to ask for asylum at any given entry point to an EU member country. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish women take up weapons 'just in case' of an attack The amendments would also allow the building of barriers such as fences, as well as new roads to facilitate border patrolling on the Finnish side. "Later on, the government will decide on border barriers to the critical zones on the eastern border, on the basis of the Finnish Border Guard's assessment," minister of internal affairs Krista Mikkonen said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Finland plans to build barriers on its border with Russia

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish women take up weapons 'just in case' of an attack

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'Russian spies,' faeces and Finnish MPs? Bizarre home intrusions spark intimidation fears

Finland plans to ban Russians from buying property

Finland plans to build barriers on its border with Russia

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish women take up weapons 'just in case' of an attack