Several Finnish MPs have reported suspected intrusions into their homes, with the number of cases described as "significant" by Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho (Finns).
No signs of forced entry have been found at the homes, and nothing appears to have been stolen or damaged.
Instead, MPs have reported finding small signs in their homes that caught their attention. For example, doors have been found open or lights switched on when MPs do not remember leaving them that way.
Halla-aho said it was possible that the signs had been deliberately left behind to indicate that someone had entered the property.
The suspected incidents have occurred over the course of a year. However, there is currently no clear information about who may be behind the suspected break-ins or what their motive might have been.
"There may be certain general signs that recur in these suspected intrusions. From the point of view of the investigation, it would not be sensible to specify what they are," Hallo-aho said at a press conference on Thursday.
According to Halla-aho, the MPs affected do not appear to have a common political or demographic background, such as belonging to one specific party or being of a particular gender.
Number of cases came to light last week
First Deputy Speaker Paula Risikko (NCP) became aware of the first suspected intrusion on the evening of 23 September.
She informed Parliament's director of security, Aaro Toivonen, the following day, after which officials began assessing how widespread the issue might be.
The legislature subsequently held a meeting with the leaders of parliamentary groups to discuss the security concern and asked them to establish whether other MPs had experienced similar incidents. More cases quickly began to emerge.
MPs have also been sent a letter advising them to look out for possible signs of intrusion and to report any observations to Parliament's security unit and the police.
"We hope that the discussions with MPs and the letter sent to them will encourage them to pay attention to certain things at home and report them", Halla-aho said.
The exact number of MPs affected remains unclear, but according to information obtained by Yle, fewer than 20 are suspected to have been targeted.
Orpo warns of possible foreign interference
According to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP), the suspected intrusions were being taken seriously and would be thoroughly investigated.
He said it was possible that ministers could also have been affected, and that foreign interference could be behind the incidents.
"It is quite possible in this day and age," Orpo said.
He also warned that the risk of election interference should be taken seriously as elections approach, noting that Russia has sought to influence elections in several European countries.
Stubb: "Attack on an MP is an attack on democracy"
President Alexander Stubb was asked about the suspected intrusions at an event marking the arrival of Finland's first F-35 fighter jets in Rovaniemi on Thursday.
"An attack on a member of parliament is an attack on democracy. It should not be allowed or accepted in any form," Stubb said. “According to my information, Parliament will inform about the matter. I stand in support of every member of parliament."
The Helsinki Police Department has launched a preliminary investigation into the matter with support from the National Bureau of Investigation.
Edited at 15:45 to add examples of the signs and add President Stubb's comments.
Edited at 16:00 to add information obtained by Yle regarding the number of MPs targeted.
Edited at 16:15 to add Orpo's comments
