Police Probe Image Theft from PM’s PC
Image: YLE
Police are investigating whether an IT repairman who had access to Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen’s computer unlawfully copied an image from the PM’s email for financial benefit.
The PM’s office first learned of the incident last month, although the suspected breach occurred two years ago, according to Timo Härkönen, the director of government security. The Prime Minister’s Office informed the police in December after receiving a tip that the stolen image was being peddled to the papers.
Police are now investigating the case as a possible aggravated breach of communications secrecy, which carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
Detectives have been tight-lipped about their preliminary investigation. They are now trying to determine whether the suspect took steps to sell the copied image.
“At this stage the police can’t disclose any more details on the case or suspect,” says Ilkka Koskimäki, the head of the economic crimes unit at the Helsinki police.
The PM’s office has now decided that any future work on the premier’s computer will always be done with a staff member present. Härkönen points out that top secret information is never shared via email. Classified information is distributed in hard copy in sealed envelopes or passed electronically in a secure network.
YLE