The historic investigation into Assar Paulus

Photo: Erakogu

In judicial practice of Estonia, this was a first. Never before have four enforcement agencies joined hands, all at once, to bring evidence about a criminal organisation: the police, tax and customs board, security police (the Kapo) and prosecutor’s office. With Assar Paulus (52), such was the case.

For a year and a half, each and every day was filled with efforts. There were no notices of any crime, no victims. The result was up to criminal intelligence, purely. The evidence had to be pieced together one by one, while mapping the activities of the alleged criminals.

In Estonian media, a lot has been written about Assar as an assumed crook leading a criminal organisation composed of Estonians. Unlike his forerunners who came to their violent ends, Mr Paulus tried to act somewhat diplomatic.

In the North-Estonia filled with criminal interests, they did not have much influence. The more ardently they worked in South and Central Estonia. Often, the cover was debt collection service. This, in short, was what they were all about.

The entire business was a semi-public secret. Often, investigative bodies were teased for not tackling the issue. On January 11^th 2013, they finally took their initial decisive step to refute the criticism. That was the day that criminal proceedings were launched regarding the criminal organisation at Office of the Prosecutor General.

A man of contradictions

Mr Paulus and his helpers knew this well: over the phone, we never talk «the stuff». Therefore, the investigators had to try real hard to produce evidence. With telephone talk avoided, things would still be discussed while coming to and returning from criminal meetings. Here’s where the «bugs» came in, placed into cars of interest by Central Criminal Police.

Over a year, the investigators looked like they had evidence enough to arrest the parties involved. Last spring, Assar Paulus and his comrades – by the dozens – were snatched all at once. The news thereof struck the criminal world like a bolt from the blue.

The grouping had carefully conspired whatever they did. By media, it would be piece of cake to shape Assar Paulus into a hero of sorts. Even among the opponents, in the police, difficult to find an official who would be absolutely negative about him.

Mr Paulus supported veterans that fought against communism in WW2 and was actively involved in Defence League activities, as head of an intelligence platoon. When volunteers were needed for to head to the woods weapon in hand, Mr Paulus was the first hand up.

The man’s close ties to Defence League were a bother for security police who viewed individuals with criminal background at the League as a «gift» to Russian propaganda. Allegedly, more than once both police and the Kapo saw Defence League top officials about it, but nothing changed. Legally, you see, all was okay.

Low profile advised

On the face of it, Mr Paulus was a decent family man and a father, making his home near Ääsmäe, Harju County. Always helpful and polite. Driving around in an Audi, a rarity among the BMW and Mercedes crazed criminals.  

To his partners, Mr Paulus’ advice was to keep a low profile. For instance: there was this troubled wrangler who, in a TV show, boasted to be a mafia boss. The Paulus «boys» thought to physically reprimand the guy for that. Mr Paulus, however, was of the opinion that it was better for people to believe the lie. So the TV star went without a beating, back then.

When it comes to arresting criminal proceeds, however, there’s nothing glamorous in the Paulus Case. Just cars and other low value items. Put together, under €100,000 of worth. Except for some cheaper stuff, the investigators could not really get to what Mr Paulus personally owned. His income may have come from sales of forest wood, and thus look totally legal.

The criminal case materials sent to court at the end of last week make for 60 volumes, exceptionally much. The 28 accused – 26 private persons and two companies – will be defended at court by 23 lawyers. «The greatest work is yet ahead of us,» said public prosecutor Kati Reitsak representing the accusers in court.

THE ACCUSED

These stand accused in membership of a criminal organisation:

Leaders

Assar Paulus (52)

Andres Vaik (51) – South-Estonia

Peep Havik (51) – Central-Estonia

Members

Taago Vool (25)

Jaanus Kivimaa (37)

German Svetšnikov (42)

Ats Pärnaste (38)

Rünno Kristjuhan (48)

Virgo Raudsepp (41)

Sivart Saarmann (39)

Erik Meier (43)

Gennadi Starodubtsev (44)

Alo Paluoja (38)

Rainar (47)

Aire (32)

Aivo (49)

Kaimo (42)

Hanno (40)

Mati (56)

Erki (42)

Roman (41)

Peeter (49)