prosecutor People from northern Finland have filed a number of criminal charges against the managing director of a berry processing company, YLE reports.
Verne VasuntaThe managing director of Kiantama was charged with 56 counts of aggravated human trafficking over the treatment of berry pickers hired from Thailand by Finland’s largest company.
His Thai business partner is also facing human trafficking charges.
Berry pickers are believed to have been subjected to working conditions resembling forced labor and other human rights violations across Finland in 2022. Mr Basunta and Mr Kiantama deny the criminal charges.
“Although the process leading up to this has been difficult, I have strived to comply with Finnish law in all my activities as managing director. I have never knowingly participated in any criminal activity. has acted in good faith and I am confident that my innocence will be proven at trial,” Basunta said in a press release from Kiantama.
Matti CipilaKiantama’s Chairman of the Board said that Mr. Basunta continues to enjoy the full confidence of both the Board and the owners and will continue to serve as Managing Director in the normal manner.
The criminal charges also extend to another major Finnish wild berry company, Polarica. Prosecutors in northern Finland are currently considering whether to file aggravated human trafficking charges against the company’s former managing director. yucca cristo.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT