According to a new study, corruption on the border is a particular problem for transport companies and timber import companies. Corruption also caused considerable indirect costs such as delays, extra processing and court fees, and obstacles to competition, YLE News reports. The study is based on interviews with 28 Finnish agencies and businesspeople operating across the border. According to the report, several of the interviewed business representatives confirmed that their operations were often not in line with legislation. Many reported to have difficulties determining whether they should follow Finnish or Russian business standards. Most said they tend to abide to Russian norms. Some respondents said bribes is a necessary evil, Yle writes. The new report is written by the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control and the National Research Institute of Legal Policy
