Finnish Authorities Seize Property of Russian Center for Science and Culture

Finnish authorities have seized the building and land of the Russian Center for Science and Culture due to EU sanctions, according to reports from the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper citing the debt collection department.

According to the property ownership certificate, the land belongs to the Russian Federation, previously to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The decision to seize the 3,326 square meters of Russian property was made by judicial authorities a week ago in relation to a request from the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition, seven apartments in Helsinki have been seized in connection with individuals who are subject to EU sanctions. Their sizes range from 36 to 175 square meters. According to Helsingin Sanomat, both the Russian Center for Science and Culture and the frozen apartments belong to “Rossofrudnichesvtvo.”

The newspaper states that the freezing of Russian assets is a temporary measure, set to last three weeks (from April 11). During this period, Finnish law enforcement agencies must determine whether the center’s building and its land are controlled by individuals subject to EU sanctions. The restrictive action prohibits the transfer, destruction, or encumbrance of the seized property to Russia and other entities.

In late March, Talouselämä reported that the debt collection department blocked the center's bank accounts at Nordea Bank, a decision made on March 10. The agency has prohibited the financial institution from transferring funds or making payments to anyone other than the regulatory authority.

The Center for Science and Culture in Helsinki was opened in 1977 by Soviet authorities. After the collapse of the USSR, Russia began to manage the center's assets. The organization claims its primary aim is to promote Russian-Finnish cultural, educational, humanitarian, and scientific projects. Various exhibitions, meetings with Russian figures, and events with artists from Russia are held at the center. According to Helsingin Sanomat, it ceased operations in the summer of 2022.