[3][full citation needed] Together with Kai Mäkelä he has over the current decade been a major shareholder in companies such as Saunalahti, Alma Media, Talentum, and Ruukki Group.
[3][full citation needed] Vilppula was the Director of International Operations of the Kazakhstan-based metals and gas giant Euro-Asian Group in 1997.
Vilppula has had close and cordial contacts with a group of billionaires known as the "Kazakhstan Trio," who are suspected by the Belgian authorities of money laundering, counterfeit documents, and links to organized crime.
[3][full citation needed] Vilppula allegedly tried to buy the Pea Ridge Mine in Sullivan, Missouri, according to suit filings.
[5] Vilppula owned the company Helsingin Mekaanikontalo and in 2007 paid €10,000 in parliamentary elections donations to the National Coalition Party (Eheän Suomen Tuki ry), and to Kymenlaakson Talousseura - in other words to ministers Paula Lehtomäki, Jyrki Katainen, and Jyri Häkämies.