Image: YLE Lahti

Investigations are underway into the misappropriation of funds at the Konti recycling store operated by the Finnish Red Cross (SPR) in the city of Lahti in southern Finland. The SPR’s Communications Director Hannu-Pekka Laiho says over 50,000 euros have been embezzled. Prosecutors have filed a case of aggravated embezzlement with the Päijät-Häme region District Court.

The SPR says the case came to light when funds were examined at the end of the summer. Police were called in to conduct an investigation after store accounts failed to tally.

Communications Director Hannu-Pekka Laiho says a staff member in a senior managerial position regularly took cash from SPR funds in the Konti store.

Police say the missing sum totals 55,000 euros. The suspect has admitted guilt. Officers searched the home of the accused and found the missing cash in an envelope.

The Päijät-Häme Region District Court will try the case as one of aggravated embezzlement. The Finnish Red Cross posted details of the incident after the end of its recent “hunger day” collection.

YLE