At least 12 Russian citizens are suspected of obtaining Finnish citizenship through fake employment arrangements and fraudulent language tests.

Finnish police and the Border Guard reportedly suspect that an individual arranged fictitious employment relationships for foreign nationals, enabling them to apply for residence permits and, eventually, citizenship, The Caspian Post reports, citing Yle.

At least 12 Russian citizens are suspected of having obtained Finnish citizenship on false grounds, while applications from five others were still being processed.

The alleged scheme may have operated for more than 20 years. The main suspect is reportedly linked to several companies established in southeastern Finland since 2003.

An investigation launched in 2024 found that the main suspect, along with accomplices, allegedly took Finnish-language proficiency tests and completed Finnish-language study modules on behalf of other individuals.

Applicants for Finnish citizenship are required to demonstrate proficiency in either Finnish or Swedish.

Authorities said the applicants would not have had a genuine chance of obtaining Finnish citizenship without the alleged scheme.

Both the applicants and the main suspect are suspected of aggravated fraud. The investigation also covers suspected aggravated forgery and aggravated accounting offenses.