Por falar em Finlandeses:
Finland Launches Probe into China-Bound Missiles
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Published: 21 Dec 2011 10:53
HELSINKI - Finland has launched a probe after 69 surface-to-air Patriot missiles were found in a ship bound for the Chinese port city of Shanghai, police said.
"An investigation found 69 Patriot missiles, explosive material and propelling charges," a police statement said.
The missiles, produced by Raytheon, were discovered following a customs search on the British-registered Thor Liberty, owned by Danish firm Thorco, at the port of Kotka, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) from Helsinki.
Finnish customs are investigating the case as one of illegal export of defense material.
"There are grounds for customs to open an investigation into crime concerning the export of these items to third countries," head of Finnish customs anti-crime unit Petri Lounatmaa said.
Finnish law requires permission from defense officials to move such material across the country's borders.
Lounatmaa noted that Finnish police, who are part of the investigating team, will investigate any other possible misconduct in the case.
A team of customs, police and defense force experts conducted a detailed probe of the ship's cargo Dec. 21 when routine checks by Finland's traffic safety authority revealed a load of 150 tons of improperly packed nitroguanidine - a low-sensitivity explosive with a high detonation speed.
Police and customs are now conducting further investigations to determine the reason for the military cache.
"We have started questioning the crew. ... As the investigation continues, decisions will be made about possible arrests," Lounatmaa said.
The customs official said that there were about 32 crew members on board the vessel, and that questioning could continue into Dec. 23.
Thorco managing director Thomas Mikkelsen expressed surprise, saying from Denmark that he was unaware of the case.
Another company official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ship had been detained in Finland and said the missiles could have been loaded on to the vessel by mistake.
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