Finland blocks Russian-Israeli national from buying former military base

The Finnish Ministry of Defence has blocked an attempt by a man with Russian and Israeli citizenship to purchase the former Savanjärvi military base in Miehikkälä. The property, a former Border Guard site, is located less than 20 kilometers from the eastern border.

The applicant claimed the acquisition was intended for personal use, specifically as “storage space for building materials, boats, and other personal property,” and as an investment for his permanent residence. However, the Ministry denied the permit after the individual failed to provide requested information regarding the purpose of the purchase and the financing of the transaction.

Despite multiple attempts to contact the man via electronic services, email, and telephone, the Ministry was unable to reach him for further clarification. In addition to this case, the Ministry has blocked five other real estate transactions in Imatra, Viitasaari, and near the Mussalo harbor in Kotka.