Roope Oja

Associate, Master of Laws

Services

  1. Dispute Resolution
  2. Corporate Crime & Investigations
  3. ESG and Corporate Sustainability

Contact details

I specialise in criminal procedures and dispute resolution. I assist companies and the company’s management in criminal proceedings such as

• Various financial offences

• Trade secret criminal cases and data and communication offences

• Occupational safety offences and employment offences

• Public and private corruption

• Environmental offences

• Securities market criminal cases and insider trading

I assist both defendants and injured parties.

I joined Castrén & Snellman as a trainee before my graduation. I have also gained valuable experience in comprehensive business consulting when I worked as a junior consultant and business advisor in a consulting company during my studies.

As a former hockey player, I am a supportive, determined and unyielding teammate to my clients and colleagues.

I have a Master of Laws degree from the University of Lapland.

Latest references

City of Rovaniemi – Former employees ordered to pay damages in an investment decision matter
We successfully acted for the City of Rovaniemi in a matter concerning offence in public office and damages claims in relation to a significant investment decision made by the city. The defendants were the city’s former municipal corporate officer, who was in an employment relationship, and a city treasurer, who was in a public-service employment relationship and acted as the supervisor of the municipal corporate officer. The criminal matter related to the City Board’s decision to invest EUR 2 million of the city’s funds in bonds offered by a newly established investment company in accordance with a decision prepared by the defendants. A significant part of the company’s operations involved quick loan business. The main legal question in the matter was whether the investment of public funds constitutes an exercise of public authority and whether regulation on offences in public office therefore becomes applicable even to a person in an employment relationship. The municipal corporate officer in an employment relationship was charged with aggravated abuse of public office based on her negligence in the preparation and presentation of the investment decision as well as based on a conflict of interest due to the fact that she had invested her own money in a company that received funding from the investment target presented to the City Board. The charges of an offence in public office against the city treasurer concerned his position as the supervisor and reporter of the city’s investment activities. He was also involved in the preparation and presentation of the City Board’s decision. The processing of the matter started in the District Court of Lapland in June 2022. In its judgment given in August 2022, the District Court stated, based among other things on our argumentation, that the investment of public funds constitutes an exercise of public authority and that regulation on offences in public office can therefore be applied to the municipal corporate officer. The District Court deemed that the conduct of the former municipal corporate officer fulfils the characteristics of abuse of public office and that the conduct of the former city treasurer fulfils the characteristics of violation of official duty with respect to the preparation of the investment decision, but the right to bring charges had become time-barred. Punishments could therefore not be imposed on the defendants, but the defendants were ordered to jointly and severally pay the city approximately EUR 114,000 in damages plus interest for late payment. The city treasurer’s share of the amount was 10%. The prosecutor accepted the judgment but the other parties appealed it to the Court of Appeal. Acting for the city, we pursued claims for both punishment and damages in the Court of Appeal. The Rovaniemi Court of Appeal processed the matter in November and December 2023. In its judgment given in June 2024, the Court of Appeal upheld the District Court’s judgment with respect to the abuse of public office and violation of official duty. The Court of Appeal deemed that the municipal corporate officer had failed in her duty to declare the conflict of interest. In addition, she had failed in her duty to ensure that the prepared decision was in compliance with the city’s investment guidelines and that it had been properly put out to tender. The Court of Appeal also found that the text of the investment proposal was insufficient and misleading and that the municipal corporate officer’s conduct was intentional. As regards the city treasurer, the Court of Appeal held that he had failed in his duty to ensure that the investment proposal to the City Board complied with the investment guidelines, that the presentation was not misleading and that risks were taken into account as required by the investment guidelines. With the judgement, the Court of Appeal took a clear position that abuse in public offices and when exercising public authority is not acceptable. The judgment is also significant as it declares that investing public funds constitutes an exercise of public authority and that the liability for acts in office therefore becomes applicable even to persons in employment relationships. In addition, a key question for the Court of Appeal to assess was defining the amount of economic damage in a matter related to investment activities. The Court of Appeal held based on our arguments that the conduct of the municipal corporate officer and the city treasurer had caused damage to the city. The Court of Appeal increased the amount of damages to EUR 210,000 with the city treasurer’s share limited to 10%. The amount was increased because the Court of Appeal deemed that the city had suffered damage not only in terms of the loss of capital but also in terms of the loss of estimated return on investment. The judgement is not final.
Case published 21.8.2024
Finnish industrial company – Decision to waive prosecution for an occupational safety and health offence
We assisted a Finnish industrial company in a criminal investigation concerning an occupational safety and health offence and negligent infliction of bodily injury. Based on the arguments we presented in the final statement, the prosecutor decided not to prosecute the CEO of the company and waived the corporate fine claim against the company.
Case published 16.11.2023
Finnish industrial company – Corruption investigation
We assisted a Finnish industrial company in an internal investigation related to suspected corruption. We carried out the internal investigation in the matter and advised the client throughout the investigation process. At the end of the investigation process, we drew up the final report with recommendations for actions. In Finland, corruption and bribery crime regulation is being developed to enable intervening in inappropriate actions more effectively. As the regulation becomes more detailed, the number of investigations relating to suspected corruption is expected to grow in Finland. Companies should ensure that their instructions are up-to-date and that an internal investigation will be started as soon as there is a reason to suspect corruption.
Case published 15.11.2023
Meyer Turku and Meyer Werft – Meyer shipyards awarded compensation and damages in a criminal case concerning copyright and trade secret infringement
We successfully acted for Meyer Turku Oy and Meyer Werft GmbH & Co. KG in an extensive criminal case, from the very beginning of the internal investigation to the court’s decision. The case centred around a person having made unauthorised copies of thousands of files containing Meyer-proprietary information and providing consulting services to a competing Chinese shipyard. The District Court handed down its judgement in October 2023, holding that the offender’s actions constituted criminal copyright and trade secret infringement as well as industrial espionage. The court furthermore held that the offender’s actions could be attributed to a limited liability company he had set up. The court ordered the company to pay Meyer EUR 5 million in compensation for the infringement and also awarded Meyer damages for its expenses. The court thus accepted Meyer’s claims in full. The matter is an exceptionally extensive and significant case on criminal trade secret and copyright infringement. Meyer Turku and Meyer Werft are among the largest and most modern shipyards in the world. Luxury cruise ships built by Meyer are internationally known for their cutting-edge technology and innovativeness. Outset In 2018, Meyer received indications that certain Meyer-proprietary files might have been copied from its systems unlawfully. An extensive internal investigation revealed that that a person had copied a significant number of files containing information protected under both copyright and trade secret laws. The offender had also set up a limited liability company and, in the summer of 2018, entered into a service agreement with a Chinese shipyard. Under the agreement, the offender was to provide consulting services relating to new innovation and technology to the Chinese shipyard. The offender and his company also received significant payments from the Chinese shipyard. After the internal investigation, a police report was filed in the late summer of 2018. In addition, the offender’s property was confiscated for security. Criminal charges were filed, and Meyer presented its claims for compensation and damages as a complainant. Results The District Court agreed with Meyer and the prosecution that the offender’s actions met all the elements of criminal copyright and trade secret infringement as well as of industrial espionage. The court held that the offender’s actions constituted infringement of Meyer’s copyrights and its neighbouring database and catalogue rights under the Finnish Copyright Act and that all the elements of criminal trade secret infringement and industrial espionage, as defined in Finnish law, were met. The court also held that the offender’s actions could be attributed to the limited liability company he had set up. The court ordered the company to pay Meyer EUR 5 million in compensation for the copyright and trade secret infringements. The court also awarded Meyer damages and legal costs as claimed. The court thus accepted Meyer’s claims in full. This decision is noteworthy for the protection of the European shipbuilding industry’s know-how in general. The judgement is final.
Case published 18.10.2023
Finnish Broadcasting Company – Defamation charges dismissed by a Monegasque Court
We successfully advised the Finnish Broadcasting Company, Yleisradio Oy, and its Editor in Chief in a defamation case before a Monegasque Court (Tribunal Correctionnel de la Principauté de Monaco). Based on our argumentation, the Court deemed that it did not have jurisdiction to rule on the case. The Court dismissed all charges and civil actions against the Finnish Broadcasting Company and the Editor in Chief.
Case published 30.6.2023
PwC – Public tender in Kela’s Eepos procurement process
We are proud to have provided legal assistance to PwC in the successful public tendering process for the comprehensive renewal of Kela’s benefits processing systems. Kela is the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, and this project is a significant cornerstone in modernising Finland’s social security infrastructure. PwC was selected as Kela’s strategic partner to implement a comprehensive overhaul of the benefits processing systems, digital services, customer relationship management, and information exchange platforms. The project aims to meet the demands of the future digital environment and enhance customer experience through the adoption of Salesforce technology. The new systems are expected to simplify benefit processes, enhance user experience for both customers, employees and other stakeholders, and ensure adaptability to future legislative changes. Castrén & Snellman provided strategic legal support to PwC throughout its successful bidding process, which was carried out through a competitive negotiated procedure. We extend our warmest congratulations to PwC for their successful bid and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project on Finland’s social security system.
Case published 24.4.2025
Milexia Group –  Acquisition of business of Alpha Positron
We advised Milexia Group, a portfolio company of the French PE sponsor Crédit Mutuel Equity, on its acquisition of the activities of Alpha Positron Oy, a Finnish distributor specializing in GPS/GNSS, time and frequency solutions for the electronics industry, process automation, corporate IT, defense, and other demanding markets. Milexia Group is one of the world’s leading European suppliers for high-quality electronic components, systems and scientific instruments technology. It has offices, warehouses and technical centres in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Nordics and Hong Kong. The acquisition aligns with Milexia’s strategy to expand its presence in the Nordic region and enhance its portfolio of communication solutions.
Case published 24.4.2025
Piippo – Sale of bale netwrap and baler twine machines and certain trademarks
We are acting as legal advisor to Piippo Plc in the sale of their bale netwrap and baler twine machines, related assets, and trademarks used in Piippo’s business to Portuguese Cotesi S.A. The sale of assets will be carried out in two phases and the final completion of the transaction is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2026. Piippo Oyj’s core business is baling nets and twine and it is one of the leading suppliers in the industry globally. The company’s global distribution network covers more than 40 countries. The company’s shares are listed on the First North Growth Market Finland operated by Nasdaq Helsinki Oy. Founded in 1967, Cotesi is one of the world’s leading producers of synthetic and natural twines, nets and ropes, with operations in Europe, North America and South America and its main production plant in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Case published 17.4.2025

Get to know our other experts in the field

Anders Forss
Position: Partner, Chairman of the Board
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 50 588 6110
Marko Hentunen
Position: Partner
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 590 6689
Ilona Karppinen
Position: Partner
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 50 357 0514
Eveliina Tammela
Position: Partner
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 44 532 5022
Marcus Blomfelt
Position: Senior Counsel
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 352 9226
Teemu Auressalmi
Position: Counsel
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 50 325 2465
Stina Europaeus
Position: Counsel
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 744 3545
Iris Brisson
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 44 068 5598
Touko Hakahuhta
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 749 0511
Alexis Huldén
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 661 5222
Onni Koivu
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 20 776 5431
Lauri Liljavirta
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 705 8384
Lars Lindeman
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 45 788 44259
Mikaela Myllynen
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 50 343 1589
Robin Ollus
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 50 469 1755
Veera Sundberg
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 50 438 7197
Sini Tossavainen
Position: Senior Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 754 0147
Lotta Henriksson
Position: Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 45 788 44261
Janina Ketola
Position: Associate
Primary service Dispute Resolution
 +358 40 051 4935