Police Issue Wanted Notice for Oliver Kruuda
Estonian businessman Oliver Kruuda, 58, has been declared a wanted person by the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) as of November 20, 2025. The PPA's decision stems from Kruuda's alleged evasion of authorities in an ongoing criminal investigation related to suspected economic crimes. Officials have not disclosed specific details of the current investigation, but confirmed the case involves possible economic offenses.
Businessman Responds to 'Manhunt' Claims
In response to being declared wanted, Oliver Kruuda issued a statement on November 30, 2025, asserting that there was 'no need for a state manhunt'. He claimed that he had attempted to contact authorities and that officials could easily reach him. Kruuda, who has reportedly been living in Ireland since 2020, expressed regret and called his treatment 'unfair'. He noted that declaring a person wanted is an 'extreme measure' that should follow other steps, such as attempts to deliver notices and summons.
Kruuda stated that he informed the Tartu County Court in 2021 that he no longer had a registered permanent address in Estonia. He also mentioned providing his email to the PPA's North Prefecture Criminal Bureau and having a contractual representative in Estonia, through whom he claims the police have not attempted contact.
Background of Financial and Legal Issues
Oliver Kruuda has a history of legal and financial challenges in Estonia. His past includes:
- A 2020 conviction by Harju District Court for providing false information on his 2015 and 2016 tax declarations.
- Being declared personally bankrupt by Tartu District Court in 2021. This bankruptcy was initiated by businessman Marcel Vichmann's company, Best Idea OÜ, after Kruuda failed to pay a court-ordered debt of €15 million.
- Criminal proceedings involving Kruuda were closed earlier in 2024 due to the statute of limitations, though new investigations have since emerged.
Kruuda has disputed the validity of the €15 million debt claim, stating it originated from Best Idea OÜ and Marcel Vichmann, and that he does not owe them anything.
5 Comments
Leonardo
While Kruuda's past financial issues are concerning and warrant investigation, the police should clarify why standard contact methods were insufficient before issuing a public wanted notice.
Raphael
If he informed them he moved, why are the police surprised he's not at his old address? Inefficient.
Donatello
Sounds like a witch hunt. There are better ways to contact someone than a public wanted notice.
Kyle Broflovski
Declaring someone wanted is a serious step, and while the allegations are grave, Kruuda's claims about being reachable should be independently verified. We need to ensure due process is followed, even for those with a troubled past.
Eric Cartman
He's been playing games for years. No sympathy for someone who evades taxes and debts.