The Ostrobothnia District Court has remanded in absentia the parents of the missing family on probable cause for aggravated deprivation of liberty. The court found that the general conditions or probable cause for aggravated human trafficking and aggravated assault were not met at this stage. Based on the decision, the authorities can now extend the warrant of apprehension for the parents to apply internationally.
The prosecutor, in cooperation with the police, is preparing a European Arrest Warrant (EAW). This will allow for the parents to be located and potentially apprehended outside of Finland as part of international cooperation within the EU and Schengen area.
Authorities have expressed serious concern for the well-being of the family’s children from the outset. The police’s primary objective remains to ensure the rights and future of the children in collaboration with other authorities.
As the investigation is still ongoing, the police cannot at this stage comment on the details of the suspected offences or the continuation of the investigation.
The police will provide the next update no earlier than 18 July, unless significant new developments occur before then.
