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Mysterious break-ins in Finland
Former correspondent on the traces left behind: "Remember, we have our eyes on you"

Breaking into people's homes without stealing or destroying anything—yet making it clear to the residents that someone has been there—is a common Russian tactic. This is according to Kerstin Kronvall, Yle’s former Russia correspondent, in an interview with HBL.

During her time in Moscow, her apartment was repeatedly broken into while she was away. At first, she thought she was being paranoid. Later, it became increasingly clear that the intruders wanted their presence to be noticed.

"The fact that they leave traces isn't due to carelessness; it’s a form of threat: 'Remember, we have our eyes on you and we have a key to your home,'" says Kronvall.

On Thursday, the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho, announced that a number of MPs had been subjected to mysterious break-ins at their homes. Many have since pointed to Russian agents as the likely perpetrators, although there is currently no evidence to support this. The incidents are under investigation.

Putin's Russia
Former German Chancellor joins board of Russian company

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is joining the board of the Russian retail company Hyperglobus. This is reported by TT, citing the Russian news site RBC. Schröder has maintained contact with Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine and is the Russian president's preferred candidate for any potential mediation talks. The 82-year-old—who served as Chancellor between 1998 and 2005—also has close ties to Russian energy companies. In addition to a seat on the board, the role entails providing "strategic guidance" to Hyperglobus. 

Murder of British politician
Ann Widdecombe's killer charged with terror plots

28-year-old Joshua Kerry, who was charged in connection with the murder of British right-wing politician Ann Widdecombe, has now also been charged with preparing to commit a terrorist offense. British police reported this, according to CNN.

Kerry is suspected of planning terrorist attacks against individuals—including Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing party Reform UK—between the summer of 2024 and the summer of 2026.

78-year-old Widdecombe was found dead at her home in the English countryside in July. She had been struck on the head 21 times with a hammer.