Helsinki Police Conclude Investigation into Nicotine Pouch Scandal
The Helsinki police have wrapped up their preliminary investigation into the controversy surrounding the proposed legislation on nicotine pouch flavours, stating that no criminal activity took place. The investigation was initiated following a criminal complaint regarding a former minister’s aide and their involvement with four nicotine pouch flavors produced by a company from the minister’s hometown.
Background of the Investigation
The probe focused on whether Anna Abrahamsson, the aide of former Swedish People’s Party chair and ex-Education Minister Anna-Maja Henriksson, had breached official duties while preparing the tobacco law reform proposal. The criminal complaint alleged that Abrahamsson had been promoting the business interests of Strengbergs Habit Factory, a Jakobstad-based company in Henriksson’s hometown. The complaint was lodged by Timo Nurminen, the CEO of Valo Sweden, a competitor of Habit Factory.
Nurminen’s complaint questioned the inclusion of four additional nicotine pouch flavors – tea, rosemary, ginger, and wood – in the legislative proposal, alongside the standard menthol and mint. These flavors were seen as potentially attractive to minors, raising concerns about addiction to nicotine among young people.
Police Find No Wrongdoing
Inspector Katariina Rinne declared that, based on the legal and political context of the legislative process and the lack of evidence linking Abrahamsson to the company, the police had no grounds to suspect any criminal behavior on the aide’s part. The investigation revealed that Abrahamsson’s actions did not warrant criminal charges, as she was not obligated to conduct an in-depth market analysis or consider EU regulations independently.
The inquiry also included interviews with Henriksson and Social Security Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen. Henriksson defended Abrahamsson’s presentation of various flavors, categorized as ”adult flavors,” during the bill preparation, emphasizing that any oversights in market research or compliance with EU laws were not criminal offenses.
Government Response
Following the public disclosure of the scandal, Minister Grahn-Laasonen announced plans to revise the bill, removing the contentious additional flavors and retaining only mint and menthol options. The police clarified that no other officials were suspected of wrongdoing in the case, and the ministry’s accountability was not within their jurisdiction.
In conclusion, the police have closed the investigation, reassuring the public that no criminal activities were uncovered in relation to the nicotine pouch scandal. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in legislative processes, ensuring the protection of public health and welfare.
