The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo) gave a written warning to a researcher who left a rucksack containing confidential documents on a train.
The incident occurred during a work trip, when the researcher was travelling with a backpack containing classified documents.
They were classified as belonging to the second-highest security rating, meaning that the contents are secret and cannot be shared with those outside the organisation.
When it was time to change trains, the researcher forgot the backpack. More detailed information about the location, destination and the researcher's role are classified.
Admitted mistake
Supo's documents do not disclose who discovered the backpack, where it was delivered to and how Supo found out about the incident. Those details are classified.
It appears, however, that the classified information did not end up in the hands of outsiders, and the researcher admitted what had occurred.
During an interview in April, the researcher was asked when they realised their mistake.
"I don't have a precise recollection, but I think the train I had exited had already left the station," said the researcher.
The researcher described the incident as an "unfortunate accident". Supo says that the researcher had neglected their official duties in failing to follow guidelines for the handling of confidential documents.
Supo said the researcher was aware that in the wrong hands, the documents could damage international relationships or national security.
The researcher was given a written warning.
Supo's handling of confidential information has been in the news recently, after it was revealed that former Director Antti Pelttari is suspected of disclosing state secrets.
