The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday 4 November released Olli Sorainen, a top ministry official linked to a suspected bribery case, from custody. While the police said there was no reason to keep Sorainen in custody, he is still suspected of taking bribes and abusing public office.
The Helsinki District Court remanded Sorainen into custody on 30 October. The matter relates to a Thai berry picker trafficking case involving a berry company in northern Finland and a Thai company recruiting berry pickers to Finland.
"The police have conducted the required interviews over the past week. There is no longer a reason to keep the suspect in custody…we will actively continue our preliminary investigation," NBI Detective Superintendent Teemu Mäntyniemi said in a statement.
Sorainen, a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, has denied the allegations.
Police are investigating suspicions that Thai berry pickers in Finland have fallen victim to human trafficking. Investigators also suspect bribes helped smooth permit issues related to the berry picking business.
Two other individuals connected to the case remain in custody over human trafficking suspicions.