Former RKIK chief says Defense Minister drove controversial Datasel contracts

Magnus-Valdemar Saar, former head of the Estonian Center for Defense Investments (RKIK), has accused outgoing Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur of directly steering multiple defence procurement contracts, including the contentious Datasel deals. According to Saar, Pevkur intervened in negotiations, set advance-payment amounts, and even dealt with suppliers personally, pushing for rapid finalisation through the Greek company Nordeto, whose defence links are unclear.

Saar submitted a formal request in early 2025 to halt the intermediary scheme and recover uncontracted funds, which Pevkur dismissed, ordering the purchases to continue. The European Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation, limiting Saar’s ability to provide documentary evidence, so he offered written answers instead of appearing at a parliamentary committee hearing. Attempts to contact Pevkur for comment were unsuccessful.