Putin’s new intimidation tactic is to send agents to ‘poo’ in homes of Finnish lawmakers

More than 20 Finnish MPs have reported break-ins at their homes, raising concerns about possible intimidation by Russian intelligence agents, according to Metro.

One politician reported that an intruder had defecated in his bathroom. Other incidents reportedly involved interference with personal belongings. Finnish MP Ben Zyskowicz suggested the intrusions could be intended to unsettle politicians.

“It’s a way for the Russian intelligence service to show that people are being monitored, a way to create confusion or concerns,” he said. Finnish Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho described the number of cases as “significant”. The report did not establish who was responsible for the break-ins.

Similar incidents have previously been linked to Russian intelligence operations. According to the report, the US State Department has documented intrusions in which belongings were moved and windows opened in apparent attempts to “intimidate” targets.

A former BBC Russia correspondent also wrote in her memoir that intruders left a “large unflushed deposit” in each of her toilets. The reports come amid strained relations between Finland and Russia following Finland’s accession to NATO in 2023, which substantially extended the alliance’s border with Russia.

Russia has since expanded military infrastructure near the Finnish border. According to the report, about 130 installations capable of accommodating 2,000 troops have been established in Kamenka, roughly 35 miles from Finnish territory, since February 2025.

Finland is also strengthening its defences and establishing a NATO forward command centre in Lapland. The Finnish government closed its border with Russia in 2023 after accusing Moscow of facilitating an influx of migrants. Speaking to Metro in 2025, Finnish Institute of International Affairs research fellow Joel Linnainmäki said activity at the closed border had remained limited.

“There’s been very little activity, just some individuals attempting to cross,” he said. “It doesn’t appear that it’s going to be open anytime soon, and the government is very careful and suspicious as well.” Linnainmäki said Russia’s war in Ukraine constrained its ability to expand its military presence near Finland, although it was gradually rebuilding the Leningrad military district.