In this section information will be given on the enforcement of judgements and confiscation orders.

Multilateral agreements

The statutes mentioned are found at the address www.finlex.fi/en/.

In addition to a foreign prison sentence, also a foreign confiscation order may be enforced under certain circumstances in Finland. Those circumstances relate to the non-appealability and enforceability of the confiscation order. Dual criminality is also required.

Internationally enforcement of judgements and confiscation orders is regulated in the Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime. Domestic provisions are in the Act on International Cooperation in the Enforcement of Certain Penal Sanctions.

In Finland the decision on the enforcement of a foreign confiscation order is taken by the Ministry of Justice. In case enforcement is consented to the Ministry either orders the enforcement to be continued or sees to it that the order is converted to a corresponding domestic order. The conversion procedure takes place in Helsinki District Court.

Enforcement between the Nordic Countries takes place on the basis of uniform Nordic legisalation. In Finland the relevant law is the Act on Cooperation between Finland and the Other Nordic Countries in the Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions. Quite exceptionally, it is also possible to enforce a pecuniary judgement between the Nordic Countries.

Updated on 4 April 2006