The Helsinki police department said it had decided to open a preliminary investigation into a scandal that prompted former finance minister Katri Kulmuni's resignation, according to a press release issued Tuesday.
Before her departure, Kulmuni faced heavy scrutiny over the procurement of services from a communications consultancy firm valued at more than 50,000 euros.
"Based on an initial inquiry, there is reason to suspect a crime and the police will open a preliminary investigation," police inspector Teemu Jokinen said in the statement.
"At the moment there is one suspect, an official, who based on the preliminary investigation was found to have been extensively involved in the procurement of the training [services]. Based on [that] information there is reason to suspect fraud and breach of official duty in the matter," Jokinen said, but did not confirm the identity of the suspect.
Last week, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment announced it had completed an internal probe into the matter.
However, on Tuesday police noted that the investigation was at an early stage, saying it was a question of criminal suspicions at this point.