**DEFINITION:**
Arno Anthoni (1897–1961) was a Finnish lawyer and civil servant who served as the Director of the Finnish State Police during World War II. He is noted for his controversial role in the deportation of Jewish refugees from Finland to Nazi Germany.
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**Arno Anthoni**
Arno Anthoni was a Finnish lawyer and government official born in 1897. He is most prominently known for his tenure as the Director of the Finnish State Police (Valpo) during the early 1940s, a period marked by Finland’s complex involvement in World War II.
### Early Life and Career
Anthoni pursued legal studies and entered public service, eventually rising to a senior position within Finland’s law enforcement agencies. His career coincided with a turbulent era in Finnish history, including the Winter War and the Continuation War against the Soviet Union.
### Role During World War II
As Director of the State Police, Anthoni was involved in security operations and intelligence activities. His legacy is controversial due to his participation in the deportation of Jewish refugees who had sought asylum in Finland. Under his leadership, several Jewish individuals were handed over to Nazi authorities, a decision that has been widely criticized in historical assessments.
### Later Life and Legacy
After the war, Anthoni faced scrutiny for his wartime actions but did not stand trial. He died in 1961. His role remains a subject of study in discussions about Finland’s wartime policies and the treatment of refugees.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
Arno Anthoni was a Finnish lawyer and Director of the State Police during World War II, known for his involvement in the deportation of Jewish refugees. His actions remain a significant aspect of Finland’s wartime history.