Estonian Supreme Court Yet to Rule on Prosecutor's Appeal in Laanet Fraud Case
Estonia's Supreme Court has not yet decided on the prosecutor's cassation appeal seeking to overturn the acquittal of MP Kalle Laanet on fraud charges.
The Estonian Supreme Court has not yet taken a position on the cassation appeal filed by the prosecutor's office on June 19, which challenges the acquittal of Riigikogu member Kalle Laanet (Reform Party). District prosecutor Olgerd Petersell is requesting the reversal of the appellate court's decision and a reinstatement of the guilty verdict.
On May 20, the Tallinn Circuit Court overturned the Harju County Court's February 9 ruling and fully acquitted the former minister of justice and current MP on fraud charges related to housing expense compensation. The prosecution disagreed, arguing that Laanet's actions constituted fraud.
In the first instance, Laanet was found guilty and sentenced to 1 year and 4 months of probation, but the appellate court concluded that while the politician provided false information and misled officials, it was not proven that he acted intentionally or was aware of the unlawfulness. The main point of contention was whether his wife's adult son qualified as a related person under the law and whether Laanet knew this.
The circuit court found that Laanet had exercised insufficient diligence by not thoroughly reading the law, but the direct intent required for fraud was not established. Consequently, the court ordered the state to reimburse Laanet €36,548.40 for legal costs. On May 22, the Riigikogu lifted Laanet's parliamentary immunity. Laanet stated he never intended to claim what he was not entitled to and had always disclosed his rental agreements to the relevant authorities.
