Finnish businessman declared persona non-granta in Russia

A high profile Finnish businessman has been refused re-entry into Russia, after having been accused of collecting information, Finnish media reported on Wednesday.

Seppo Remes, who has been the board member of numerous Russian companies, was told to be a persona non grata in Russia. The refusal took place on March 22, when he returned to Russia after spending a holiday in Finland.

He was told he had been collecting information about the management of electricity companies but had not committed a crime.

Remes is member of the Board of Directors at the electricity company Rosset and also at the nanotechnology company Rosnano.

Remes told national broadcaster Yle that he had criticized the management of Rosset for inefficiency.

Remes said that he did not believe his apparent eviction was connected with the crisis in Ukraine or relations between Finland and Russia. He said he will try to get the decisions changed.

Remes has lived in Russia since 1993.

Finnish national radio Yle quoted Russian newspaper Kommersant as reporting that a representative of Rosset had told the newspaper that Remes could handle his work as a Board member by sending letters.

Rosnano also said Remes would remain on its board.

As of Wednesday afternoon the Finnish Embassy in Moscow did not comment on the situation. Endit