Finnish police announced on Friday, that they suspect Ilkka Kanerva (cons), MP and former foreign minister, of accepting bribes.

According to the police, Kanerva is suspected of accepting bribes in connection with the funding of his 60th birthday party. The now solvent developer Nova Kiinetistökehitys, a subsidiary of the also now solvent Nova Group, provided funds of 17,000 euros for the event.

The police did not comment on who or how many people are suspected of offering bribes to the former foreign minister.

During the preliminary stages of the investigation, Kanerva has denied the charges. Police questioned the MP twice. Kanerva previously announced that he was not aware of the identity of the donor or the sum involved.

Jorma Kalse, Finland's deputy prosecutor-general, is to begin the consideration of charges for the case.

STT