Former Oulu mayor cleared of misuse charge as subordinate's fraud case proceeds

The Oulu District Court ruled that the accusation against former city manager Päivi Laajala, alleging she neglected to bring a misconduct matter before the city council in 2020, could not be proven, and therefore dismissed the case. The court noted that Laajala had initiated a thorough investigation and issued a written warning to the employee involved. In contrast, former municipal director Matti Matinheikki was found guilty of aggravated fraud and abuse of office, receiving a three-month conditional jail term.

Matinheikki had used a city-purchased Nissan Navara without proper authorization from 2018 to 2020, secured a municipal parking spot for his wife, and appropriated an e-bike for personal use. The penalty was lowered because he admitted guilt, participated in a plea negotiation that saved court costs, and voluntarily reimbursed the city. The verdict remains subject to appeal at the Court of Appeal.