Finland's defence ministry blocks Russian billionaire's purchase near strategic Mussalo port

Alexander Zavyalov attempted to purchase a vacant 1950s detached house with its surrounding land in Mussalo, Kotka. The Finnish Defence Ministry denied the required permit, stating that the property's location next to the Mussalo harbour - vital for the country's foreign trade and industrial supply routes - posed a potential threat to national security. Zavyalov, who holds Russian and Montenegrin citizenship and resides in Finland, claimed the acquisition was mainly for holiday use, later adding intentions to rent and eventually resell the asset.

The transaction, brokered by a Kotka real-estate agent who represented both buyer and seller, was halted after the ministry's assessment. The ministry also noted that Zavyalov leads a luxury-property development group in Saint Petersburg and holds stakes in numerous Russian companies, raising concerns about possible exploitation of the site for intelligence or influence operations. This denial was part of a broader move that blocked six property deals, with this case singled out for its critical location.