Poliisi - News

Fake police video calls continue and become more sophisticated

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:01:00 GMT

In June, the police warned of fake police scams committed by making video calls through Google Meet. These scam video calls have recently been made using the faces of known police officers, including National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki.

In some scam calls, there have been indications that deepfake technology has been used.

During scam video calls, the scammer tries to make the victim give their payment or identification information to the scammer. In some cases, the victim has given their banking credentials to the fraudster.

According to information available thus far, said scams are committed against foreign people living in Finland, in particular. They have been threatened with various law enforcement actions during the video calls.

Fraudsters appeal to emotions

Fraudsters typically try to create a sense of urgency and make the victim panic. With scam blocking tools increasing, criminals resort to social manipulation more and more often.

They appeal to the victim’s emotions in the most harmful types of cyber-enabled fraud, including phishing, investment and romance scams, and document and CEO fraud. In 2025, the police recorded a total of 88 million euros of damage caused by said fraud.

In Finland, the police do not make video calls to people. On Google Meet, you can block unknown contacts by adjusting the settings to allow calls from your own contacts only.

The police, banks or any other legal actors never ask for people’s banking or identification information over the phone or video. The police urge people to exercise caution whenever an outsider asks for such information.

If you suspect that you have given your personal information or transferred funds to a criminal actor, contact your bank immediately. After that report the matter to the police.

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Helsinki Police recover 1.8 million in criminal proceeds – number of debtor's offences almost doubles

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Helsinki Police have made effective progress in seizing the proceeds sought through economic crime. In the first half of 2026, the police recovered around 1.8 million in criminally acquired assets. In 2025, a total of around 3.5 million in criminal proceeds was recovered.

At the same time, the economic pressures facing society are becoming increasingly visible in economic crime. The environment for investigating economic crime has grown more demanding in recent years. In Helsinki, the number of debtor's offences in particular has almost doubled within a few years. This trend is linked to a sharp rise in company bankruptcies. In 2025, around 3,300 companies in Finland were declared bankrupt, compared with around 3,000 the year before and around 2,700 in 2023. This rise in bankruptcies is reflected directly in the number of debtor's offences reported to the police. It also adds to the workload across the whole criminal justice chain, from the police to the Prosecution Service and the courts.

The number of reported economic crimes has risen steadily throughout the 2020s. In 2025, almost 2,800 economic crimes were reported in Finland, around 560 of them in Helsinki. Police departments in the Helsinki metropolitan area recorded around 45 per cent of all economic crimes reported in Finland.

The most common economic crimes are tax fraud, dishonesty by a debtor, accounting offences, and fraud committed in business operations.
Economic crime has also become more international. Money is increasingly moved abroad, and cryptocurrencies are used as a means of transferring funds linked to economic crime. As a result, investigating economic crime increasingly requires international cooperation between authorities.

In Helsinki, nearly as many economic crime cases are closed each year as are reported, and around 55 per cent of closed cases proceed to consideration of charges. In 2026, 194 economic crime cases have moved to consideration of charges.

"Recovering criminal proceeds is one of the most effective ways to tackle economic crime. The international nature of economic crime, and the constantly changing methods used by offenders, mean that authorities must cooperate effectively, both within Finland and internationally," says Detective Superintendent Lauri Huittinen, Head of Economic Crime Investigations at the Helsinki Police Crime Investigation Unit.

Current cases in economic crime investigations

Since late autumn 2025, Helsinki Police have been carrying out a pre-trial investigation into aggravated fraud. Two representatives of the City of Helsinki are suspected of aggravated fraud, committed together with a subcontractor working for the City.

Two deputy landlords employed by the City are suspected of colluding with a contractor to over-invoice for work including flat renovations. The scheme is alleged to have been split between three suspects. Two City employees alone are suspected of channelling more than €600,000 in fraudulently obtained funds to themselves between 2023 and 2025. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and the case is expected to move to consideration of charges later this year.

Around 5 million in evaded taxes and pension insurance contributions

In spring 2026, a large pre-trial investigation into the grey economy was passed from Helsinki Police to consideration of charges. The investigation covered two sets of offences, in which people from a partly overlapping circle are suspected of committing numerous economic crimes. Together, the companies involved are suspected of evading around €5 million in taxes and pension insurance contributions.

In both sets of offences, the crimes are alleged to have begun in 2015 and continued until 2021.

Funds used to pay employees' wages were allegedly channelled through around 20 different associated companies, using falsified subcontractor invoices. The companies involved are suspected of having used so-called nominee arrangements in their administration, designed to conceal who was actually responsible for running them.
More than 30 people are suspected across the two sets of offences. Over 200 people, in various roles, have been questioned during the investigation. In addition, significant amounts of personal income tax have gone unassessed for people suspected of receiving undeclared wages. The police have also investigated suspected aggravated tax fraud relating to unreported wages for more than 25 employees.

One characteristic feature of these offences is that the companies and employees involved made extensive use of foreign banking services. Several international requests for legal assistance have been made to trace the movement of funds and to interview the parties involved.

This set of offences was unusually extensive, and the conduct continued over several years. Some of the suspects were arrested by police in 2024.

Helsinki Police investigate dozens of cases of labour exploitation every year

Investigations into labour exploitation typically involve offences such as extortionate work discrimination, usury, human trafficking, and various forms of fraud. These investigations often uncover suspected offences related to organising illegal entry into the country at the same time.

In the first half of 2026, almost 20 investigations into labour exploitation moved to consideration of charges. These cases involved more than 50 injured parties in total. In 2025, close to 40 such investigations moved to consideration of charges.

Current trends in human trafficking investigations

In recent years, investigations into labour exploitation have increasingly uncovered the use of so-called threshold fees. Typically, a worker coming to Finland is required to pay a fee in their home country to secure a job. This fee can range from a few thousand euros up to €25,000. It is often financed through debt, forcing the victim to sell or pawn property, or assets needed to earn a living, in their home country.

The exploitation can continue after arrival in Finland. The promised job may not actually exist, or the amount of work may turn out to be far less than agreed. Wages may also be paid at a lower rate than agreed, or not paid at all. Debt and fear of failure can prevent the victim from returning home, leaving them exposed to further exploitation.
Investigations have also uncovered cases where applications for work-based residence permits were made using false or misleading information. These have included fabricated employment contracts, or false information about the employer or the terms of employment.

Education-based immigration

The police have also identified exploitation linked to education-based immigration. Agents operating abroad have marketed Finland to students by promising, alongside their studies, guaranteed employment or financial support. Some students who came to Finland later found that these promises were not fulfilled.

Such cases often only come to the attention of the police once the people involved are already in Finland, facing financial hardship, without the promised job or sufficient means to support themselves. In Finland, these cases are typically investigated as organising illegal entry into the country.

Procuring linked to prostitution

Investigations into sexual exploitation often involve extensive sets of offences connected to organised crime, both nationally and internationally. These investigations most commonly examine aggravated procuring or procuring, along with related suspicions of money laundering. Criminal groups typically aim to gain significant financial benefit by arranging paid sex in Finland.

In many cases, people selling sexual services arrive in Finland from other European countries, or from outside Europe, arranged by criminal groups. These groups organise the travel, accommodation, and practical arrangements, and take a share of the proceeds.

The police aim to identify the people organising this activity in Finland, trace the criminal proceeds, and investigate the workings of international criminal networks, in cooperation with authorities in other countries. At the same time, investigators assess whether the sale of sexual services involves coercion, deception, or violence, in which case the acts may also meet the definition of human trafficking.

"Human trafficking is often organised, international crime, aimed at gaining significant financial benefit by exploiting people. Victims do not always dare, or are not always able, to seek help from the authorities. That is why identifying and investigating this phenomenon plays a key role in safeguarding people's rights and in tackling the grey economy," says Detective Superintendent Lauri Huittinen.

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Helsinki Police response time improves further despite rising number of call-outs – crime clearance rates up, including for serious offences, and investigation times shorter

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:14:00 GMT

In the early part of the year, Helsinki Police handled a total of 81,014 call-outs, up 5.2 per cent on the same period last year. At the same time, the number of offences under the Penal Code rose by 4.5 per cent. Despite the increase in call-outs, the police have managed to raise the clearance rate and shorten investigation times. The police have also stepped up visible patrols across different parts of the city.

"A year ago, we already achieved a record response time. Since then, we have continued to refine our operations. For example, field officers moved from Malmi to Pasila and now start their shifts from Pasila. There were concerns about how these changes to our working methods would affect service levels in different parts of the city. The results now show that the police are reaching urgent call-outs faster than ever before, even though the number of call-outs has grown," says Jari Liukku, Police Chief of the Helsinki Police Department.

Both call-outs and proactive tasks have increased

The number of the most urgent call-outs rose by 12.2 per cent in the early part of the year, reaching a total of 5,487. The average response time for Category A (most urgent) call-outs was 4.7 minutes. This is the best result in the history of the Helsinki Police Department and is well within the five-minute target.

Helsinki Police have continued to increase visible, on-foot patrols, particularly in areas with high levels of disturbances, substance abuse problems and crime. A total of 43,931 proactive tasks were logged in the early part of the year, over 2,900 more than in the same period last year. These accounted for more than half of all call-outs.

The number of public order maintenance tasks rose by 18.3 per cent compared with the same period last year. Foot patrol order maintenance tasks numbered over 10,000, an increase of 16.2 per cent on the previous year.

"A visible presence is one of the most effective ways to prevent disturbances and to increase residents' sense of safety. At the same time, it allows us to respond more quickly and to direct our resources to the areas where they are most needed," says Chief Inspector Henri Helminen of the Emergency Response and Patrol Unit.

More crimes reported, but investigation results improving

Helsinki Police recorded a total of 45,459 offences under the Penal Code in the early part of the year, up 4.5 per cent on the previous year. The largest increase was in petty theft, which rose by 17.2 per cent.

Despite the rise in the number of offences, investigation results have improved. The clearance rate for offences under the Penal Code rose to over 55 per cent, clearly exceeding the target of 50 per cent. At the same time, the average investigation time was shortened by seven days, to 149 days. For serious offences, the clearance rate rose to 74.1 per cent, against a target of 70 per cent set for the Police Department.

The number of urgent pre-trial investigations involving child victims rose by 15.3 per cent, with 1,581 cases recorded in total. The investigation time for serious offences against children has shortened by almost six per cent.

At the same time, the number of open economic crime cases at Helsinki Police has fallen, while the number of closed cases has increased. There were 1,065 open economic crime cases in the early part of the year, 49 fewer than the previous year. A total of 305 economic crime cases were closed, 13 more than in the same period last year.

Drug offences reported to the police numbered 2,497 in the early part of the year, a slight increase on the previous year. Drug use and related crime are reflected in the police's call-outs as well as in day-to-day patrol and investigative work. Helsinki Police will continue to tackle drug-related crime in cooperation with other authorities.

Immigration status checks and removals from the country stepped up

Helsinki Police have significantly increased checks on the conditions for staying in the country. A total of 2,840 checks were carried out in the early part of the year, an increase of almost 48 per cent on the previous year.

The number of removals from the country also increased. A total of 489 people were removed from the country in the early part of the year, up 8.4 per cent on the previous year.

"Immigration status checks and removals from the country are an important part of maintaining public order and safety, and of tackling crime," says Chief Inspector Simo Kauppinen.

Demand for licensing services continues to grow

Demand for licensing services was very high in the early part of the year. By the end of May, a total of 72,599 paid licences had been granted.

Most of these licences were travel documents. A total of 69,391 passports and other travel documents were issued in the early part of the year, an increase of 14.3 per cent on the previous year. Based on the current forecast, almost 160,000 travel documents will be issued over the course of the year, around 20,000 more than last year.

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Police investigating Kontula killing as manslaughter

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:55:00 GMT

The attack took place outside entrance C of Kontula metro station after 11.00 am. The attack was recorded on surveillance cameras. Police received information about the attack from paramedics at 11.25 am.

"After the attack, the suspect left Kontula by metro for Mellunmäki, where police arrested him at 12.36 pm. The weapon used in the offence is in police custody," says the head of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Juha Piippo.

Police forensic officers carried out a crime scene investigation in Kontula on Saturday. Witnesses are also being questioned as part of the pre-trial investigation.

"Police have questioned the suspect once, and he has confessed to the act. Police will request that he be remanded in custody early next week," Piippo continues.

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Reception of applications for temporary protection from people fleeing Ukraine to be centralised in Oulu

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:57:00 GMT

The Oulu Police Department is centralising the reception of applications for temporary protection. Temporary protection is intended for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

In the future, applications for temporary protection will be received centrally in Oulu on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Heikinharju Reception Centre (Heikinharjuntie 66).

Applicants may visit the Heikinharju Reception Centre without an appointment or arrange an appointment by calling +358 295 464 555.

Elsewhere within the Oulu Police Department area in North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu, applications for temporary protection are received at:

Kajaani Police Station, Lönnrotinkatu 2 A, Kajaani
Kuusamo Police Station, Kitkantie 28, Kuusamo
Raahe Police Station, Kummatinkatu 6, Raahe
Ylivieska Police Station, Katajaojankatu 4, Ylivieska

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Body found in sea has been identified

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:27:00 GMT

The body found in the sea during the search conducted by the authorities in Kruunuvuorenranta, on Thursday, 9 July 2026, was identified as the Indian student who went missing in the beginning of May. The National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the cause of death and no crime is suspected in the case. No further information will be provided on this matter.

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Policing steps up enforcement of hunting prohibitions

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:07:00 GMT

The courts forward final decisions on hunting prohibitions to the registry of the police unit in the person's place of residence. The police enter the information into the police information system, where a wanted notice regarding an existing hunting prohibition is recorded for the person. This entry remains in effect throughout Finland until the date on which the hunting prohibition expires.

The purpose of the procedure is to improve the enforcement of hunting prohibitions. When the police check a person's information in the course of their official duties, information about a valid hunting prohibition is displayed regardless of the police duty concerned. This means a prohibition can also be taken into account in situations where facts related to a person's hunting rights or activities need to be assessed.

Hunting prohibitions are laid down in chapter 48a, section 6 [515/2002] of the Penal Code. A court may impose a temporary hunting prohibition on a person sentenced for a hunting offence if the person is deemed to have demonstrated manifest disregard of the provisions governing hunting. A person subject to a hunting prohibition may not hunt or act as a hunting master referred to in the Hunting Act during the validity of the prohibition. Violation of a hunting prohibition is punishable.

A nationally consistent recording practice improves the authorities' situational awareness, supports the prevention of hunting offences and facilitates the effective enforcement of hunting prohibitions as part of everyday policing.

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Online sexual violence directed at children is becoming more common – prevention requires open discussion and vigilance

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:20:00 GMT

Similarly, most of the cases, in which it is suspected that a young person has been offered compensation for a sexual act, that have come to the attention of the police this year have taken place online. Sexual offences against children and reported to the police as a whole have also increased. In 2023, 801 cases of sexual abuse of a child were reported to the police, while in 2025, the number of these cases reported to the police was as high as 1,517.

An adult has no justified reason to be in contact with an unknown child on social media

According to a recent survey by the Finnish organisation Protect Children, online sexual violence typically begins when the victim of the act is about ten years old. According to a survey conducted by the organisation Save the Children Finland, more than one out of four respondents aged 11 to 17 had received a sexual message, and 15 per cent had sent one themselves in the past year. One in three children said that they had been contacted on social media or online by an adult or a person at least five years older than themselves. However, no adult has a justified reason to be in direct contact on social media or online with a child or young person they do not know. Two thirds of the children who had been contacted by an adult had experienced sexual violence as a result of the contact.

The responsibility for sexual violence always lies solely with the perpetrator of sexual violence. However, online violence contains features that parents should be aware of and also tell their child about them in an age-appropriate manner. A suitable point in time to instruct the child in the safe use of the internet is at the latest when the child is allowed to use smart devices independently.

“It is important to talk with children about the downsides of the internet: just like offline, there are people online who want to hurt others or use them for their own ends. In addition, it is a good idea to discuss with children where the content published online may end up and why there is no need to respond to all friend requests or contacts,” says Superintendent Saara Asmundela of the National Police Board.

Photographs of children can end up in materials edited by artificial intelligence

A good rule of thumb is “once online, always online”. If you post any content on social media or the internet, you lose control over how the content is handled and shared later. More and more material that depicts children in a sexual manner is created with artificial intelligence. Photographs are posted online by children themselves, but also by their parents.

“More and more material that depicts children sexually is created with artificial intelligence, and this material makes use of non-sexual images of children and young people available online. Parents of children should understand these risks. Therefore, you should consider carefully whether to upload any images online at all and, if you do, what kind of images you upload,” says Superintendent Saara Asmundela of the National Police Board.

Children and adolescents are also encouraged to send sexual images of themselves by pretending to be their peers. The perpetrator may at first try to create trust in the child and then slowly begin to introduce sexual content into the conversation until it becomes a normalised part of the communication. A request for a sexual image and video may also be disguised as a challenge. When a child finally sends a sexual picture or video of themselves, blackmail may begin: if the child does not send money or more pictures, the perpetrator threatens to share the material sent by the child with all of the child’s contacts. Information published by a child about themselves or their loved ones on social media may also be used for blackmail purposes.

Children of all genders are victims of online sexual violence, but especially girls. However, sexual extortion for money against children is an increasingly common form of online violence, and it is almost exclusively directed at boys.

Only a fraction of sexual offences against children come to the attention of the police

In a blackmail situation or after sending pictures or videos in general, the child typically does not dare to tell anyone about what happened because of the shame and guilt the child experiences. Only a fraction of sexual offences against children come to the attention of the police. Children rarely told anyone about their experiences of sexual violence, and especially not to adults or authorities. What is particularly alarming is that a large proportion of the respondents in surveys say that they did not feel that online sexual violence was serious. Children either do not recognise what has happened as a criminal offence or sexual violence online is already commonplace for them. This should not be the case.

However, online sexual violence can have serious consequences. Studies have shown that online sexual violence is just as harmful as physical violence taking place in the same space. Those who have encountered online sexual violence report and have been found to have experienced feelings such as shame, guilt and fear, post-traumatic stress symptoms, risky behaviour, self-esteem problems, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, problems in social relationships and difficulties in sexuality. Being aware that sexual images of oneself can spread online can be traumatising in itself. Children who have been subjected to online sexual violence also need adequate and timely support to process the experience. However, with the help of psychological support, it is possible to cope with and recover from sexual violence.

Children have the right to be informed about what constitutes an activity that violates their personal boundaries. It is important to tell them that they have the right not to respond to inquiries coming from strangers, not to take on challenges and not to do anything that feels uncomfortable or wrong to them, even online. In addition, a child’s parents should agree in advance with the child on an operating model for situations where something is pressing the child’s mind but where the child feels it difficult to bring up the matter with a parent. A child may also be upset by something that has happened to a friend, because if a child tells someone about the sexual violence they have experienced, they usually do it to their friend, according to studies.

Protect children from harmful online content

As a parent, you should be interested in your children’s use of digital devices and discuss it with them.
A good way to help a child with this is, for example, to give them a stack of sticky notes and agree with them that if they have something that weighs on their mind and that is difficult to bring up, they can put a sticky note on the fridge door, for example. This is a sign to you that you should be prepared for a discussion and create a safe space for it.
Instruct children and young people in the safe use of digital devices. Do this according to their age and level of development. National Cyber Security Centre Finland, among others, has compiled and created materials related to data security, intended for children, parents and educators (Children’s data security skills | National Cyber Security Centre).
Arrange meaningful activities not related to digital devices for children and young people. Doing things together creates a healthy and safe sense of community spirit and belonging together.
The age limits for social media, games and applications must be followed.
You can agree within the family that the children do not take their phones behind closed doors into bedrooms or toilets. You can also leave the phones of all family members on a break overnight, for example, in the kitchen or living room. For this purpose, Protect Children and DNA have developed the Phone Parking Lot (Phone Parking Lot (in Finnish)).
Take advantage of the technical solutions provided by your own telecom operator to filter age-appropriate content for children. You can use these solutions for issues such as setting time limits for the use of the internet, preventing harmful content from being seen by your child, and influencing which apps your child can use.
Tell your child about consent and its significance in relationships. Asking for consent should be made a normal part of interaction, and children and young people should be instructed on how to ask for consent from another person.

More information and support for parents

Services by SOS Children’s Village to support parenting (Help for parenting (in Finnish) - SOS Children’s Village )
Huippula service by Save the Children for children, young people and adults: what every parent should know about the dangers of the internet (Who protects your child online? — Huippula)
Guide by Protect Children for parents on digital safety skills (Guide for parents on digital security skills: “More than just a device” (in Finnish))
Take It Down: A free service that can help prevent or remove online sharing of partially or fully nude and/or sexual images or videos of people under the age of 18 (Take It Down)

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The Police are seeking for information about an 18-year-old student who went missing in early May

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:22:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the disappearance of an Indian citizen studying in Lahti.

According to the information available to the Police, the student has travelled on the Z train from Lahti to Helsinki on 5 May at around 17:00. The last confirmed sighting of him was made in a K-Market located in Kruunuvuorenranta, Helsinki, at around 20:00 on the same evening. The Police have no information on his movements after this.

The investigation of the case has been transferred from the Häme Police Department to the National Bureau of Investigation.

The National Bureau of Investigation are requesting for any possible information or observations about the missing person to be reported to the tip line at 0295 418 622 or via email to rikosvihje.krp@poliisi.fi.

The media release has been updated on 10 July 2026 at 3:45 pm. The missing person has been found and his photo and identifying information have been removed.

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Fixed-term position of Chief of Police for the Ostrobothnia Police Department open for applications

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:21:00 GMT

Last year, the Helsinki Administrative Court annulled the appointment decision concerning the Chief of Police of the Ostrobothnia Police Department, following two appeals against the appointment. The National Police Board has assessed the further measures related to the recruitment process and has decided to restart the recruitment procedure in its entirety.

The National Police Board has announced the fixed-term position of Chief of Police for the Ostrobothnia Police Department as open for applications. The position will be filled for a fixed term of up to five years. The official duty station of the Chief of Police is Vaasa.

The application period ends on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at 4:15 p.m. The full vacancy announcement is available at Valtiolle.fi (ID 23655).

As the Ostrobothnia Police Department must have a head of agency, the National Police Board has appointed Jarkko Lehtinen to a fixed-term appointment as Chief of Police to perform the duties of the vacant position. The fixed-term appointment will continue until the new recruitment process has been completed.

Chief of Police Leads the Police Department

The Chief of Police directs the operations of the police department in accordance with the Police Strategy and as part of the overall police administration.

The Chief of Police is responsible for:

ensuring the effectiveness and performance of the police department, as well as coordinating operations, finances and human resource management;
arranging police services within the department’s area of responsibility;
regional, national and international stakeholder and inter-agency cooperation;
driving organisational renewal while anticipating the needs of the operating environment;
ensuring the effectiveness of both internal workplace communications and external communications.

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NBI Investigates Cable-Severing Cases

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:45:00 GMT

Police are investigating the severing of fibre-optic cables in Ylöjärvi, Pirkanmaa, on Midsummer Eve, 19 June 2026. The damage disrupted train services between Tampere and Seinäjoki, with traffic suspended for several hours.

At this stage of the criminal investigation, the offence under investigation is aggravated criminal damage. Based on information obtained during the investigation, there are grounds to consider the act intentional.

The criminal investigation has been transferred from the Inner Finland Police Department to the National Bureau of Investigation.

According to police information, people were seen moving by car, bicycle and on foot in the vicinity of the scene, on Terätie and at the Vaasantie end of Keijärventie, between 18:00 and 19:00 on Midsummer Eve. These individuals are asked to contact the police, as they may have information relevant to solving the offence. They are not suspected of any offence.

Second case in Malmi, Helsinki

The National Bureau of Investigation has also launched a criminal investigation into the severing of telecommunications cables in Malmi, Helsinki, on Friday, 26 June 2026. The damage caused local disruption to telecommunications connections.

The police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Based on the investigation, in this case too the cables were found to have been severed intentionally.

Anyone who was in the Takorautatie area of Malmi, Helsinki, at around 09:00 on Friday 26 June is asked to report any observations relating to the incident to the police. Observations relating to either case can be reported to the NBI's tip-off line on 0295 418 622, or by email to rikosvihje.krp@poliisi.fi.

Police will provide further information on the investigations as they progress.

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Pyros do not belong in the stands – not even in football

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:46:00 GMT

– Sports fan culture is built on community spirit, club colours and strong emotions. Recently, however, smoke devices and pyrotechnic products, known as pyros, have attracted increasing attention as their use has become more common in Finland.

– From the police perspective, the matter is clear: the use of pyrotechnics at public events is prohibited and is generally treated as a violation of explosives regulations. The only exception is professionally organised displays carried out under a separate permit, Korhonen writes.

– Pyros pose significant safety risks. According to the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), their use among spectators can result in serious health hazards and injuries. The risk is particularly high indoors.

The event organiser is responsible for the safety of the event. The police aim to ensure that matches and other sporting events can be held without disruption or dangerous situations.

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Police Warn of Fake Police Scam on Video Call Platforms

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:28:00 GMT

In the video calls, the criminals attempt to obtain banking or personal details by, for example, requesting the target person to show a payment card or identity document to the camera. In some cases, the criminals may have threatened victims with, for example, the closure of bank accounts, arrest or deportation, should the individual fail to disclose their details.

The Finnish police do not make video calls to members of the public. In Google Meet, calls from unknown parties can be blocked by adjusting the settings to allow calls only from one's own contacts.

The police, banks or any other legitimate organisation will never request banking or identification details by telephone or video call. The police urge members of the public to exercise caution whenever an outside party requests such information.

If you suspect that you have disclosed your personal details or transferred funds to a criminal party, contact your bank without delay. Subsequently, file a criminal report.

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Pride parade affects traffic in Helsinki city central on Saturday

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:06:00 GMT

The Helsinki Pride parade will significantly impact traffic in central Helsinki on Saturday.
Traffic will be cut off for the duration of the parade. The parade will gather at Senate Square at 10:00 and set off at approximately 12:00.

The parade route is: Senate Square – Snellmaninkatu – Aleksanterinkatu – Mannerheimintie – Eteläesplanadi – Kasarmikatu – Neitsytpolku – Kaivopuisto.

The end time of the parade is around 15 pm.

The most significant traffic impacts is felt particularly at Senate Square, Mannerheimintie, and along the Esplanade towards Kaivopuisto.

People heading to the South Harbour or Katajanokka harbour are advised to approach via Sörnäinen and Pohjoisranta.

"The police will direct traffic during the parade and will also ensure general order and safety during the park festival," says Superintendent Hanna Kiiskinen.

The public events of Pride Week and the Saturday parade are organised by Helsinki Pride Community ry. The organiser has made the traffic arrangements related to the event in agreement with the City of Helsinki and the Helsinki Police Department.

The Helsinki Police Department will post the most up-to-date information about the event on the poliisi.fi website.

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Drug use continues to increase in Helsinki

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:36:00 GMT

Drug-related harms have increased on the streets of Helsinki in recent years. The reason is the strong growth in drug use in Finland throughout the 2000s. The disturbances on the streets are mainly related to drug use and associated crime.

'Ninety per cent of Helsinki residents feel safe on average. However, the link between drug-related observations and perceptions of insecurity has strengthened according to the Helsinki safety survey.

Drug addiction is a serious health problem. It causes significant harm to individuals, their loved ones and society as a whole. Addiction places a burden on specialised healthcare, substance abuse services, child protection, emergency medical services, the police and the judicial system.

The City of Helsinki has improved access to drug detoxification. The city is also drawing up a new substance abuse strategy. Helsinki Police Department considers these measures important.

Seizures have increased – use of all the most common drugs is growing

Drug seizures have increased significantly in Finland in recent years. Seizures are one measure for assessing the growth of drug use. Finnish Customs, the National Bureau of Investigation and other police departments have made significant seizures.

Helsinki Police Department has already seized 4.6 kilograms of alpha-PVP this year by the end of May. That is more than in the whole of last year combined. According to statistics, alpha-PVP has not displaced amphetamine. Instead, the use of all drugs is increasing.

– Only organised crime benefits from the growth of drug use. Cannabis remains the most popular drug by volume in Helsinki. Cocaine accounts for a significant share of drug use in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The police are very concerned about the increase in drug use across all social classes. The involvement of young people in serious drug offences is particularly worrying, says Detective Superintendent Kimmo Sainio.

Drugs seized by Helsinki Police Department 2020–2025 (kg)

	All drugs	Amphetamine and methamphetamine	Cocaine	Alpha-PVP	Cannabis
2020	207,9	86,9	6,6	0,2	82,3
2021	348,5	68,2	3,1	0,3	265,7
2022	336,5	28,2	8,4	0,1	269,5
2023	516,8	239,9	33,1	0,4	215
2024	448	81,1	37	1,7	309,7
2025	450	313	60	4,5	71

All drugs refers to all substances submitted for drug analysis from Helsinki Police Department to the National Bureau of Investigation's Crime Laboratory.

Helsinki police respond to emergencies faster than ever

Call the emergency number 112 in an emergency. Through the emergency number, you can receive assistance from the police, emergency medical services or the rescue services. Emergencies include, for example, assaults, drug dealing and dangerous or disorderly behaviour.

Non-urgent tips can be sent to vihjeet.helsinki@poliisi.fi. Tips may concern drug dealing or other criminal activity that endangers safety on the streets.

Helsinki Police Department has significantly increased visible and regionally targeted surveillance. The reason is the disturbances caused by drug use. The police select surveillance targets on the basis of alarm assignments and crime reports. Feedback from citizens and stakeholders is also taken into account.

– The most important surveillance areas during the summer are Kluuvi, Kallio, Kamppi, Itäkeskus and Kontula. These areas have a high number of disturbance- and substance-related assignments. The assignments are concentrated in public spaces, public transport hubs and recreational areas, says Chief Inspector Hanna Kiiskinen.

Increased surveillance at disturbance hotspots improves safety in the areas and perceptions of safety. Helsinki police respond to emergencies faster than ever before. The reduced response time is the result of increased visible surveillance in areas prone to disturbances. Surveillance also speeds up the investigation of crimes that have already been committed.

– Public order patrols on foot have increased by 17 per cent in Helsinki compared to the beginning of last year. We direct surveillance to areas with the most disturbances and alarm assignments. We prevent some disturbances through visible presence. We are also faster to respond to alarm assignments, Kiiskinen continues.

Port surveillance and deportation stepped up

Helsinki Police Department has stepped up crime-based deportation. In a typical case, a foreign national has committed an offence such as drug dealing in Helsinki. On this basis, the person is removed from the country.

The police have also stepped up refusals of entry at ports. Refusal of entry concerns persons who are suspected on reasonable grounds of posing an immediate threat to public order and safety. Refusal of entry is possible, for example, when a person is suspected of seeking to enter the country solely to commit offences.

– A typical example is a person who has committed pickpocketing or violent offences elsewhere in Europe. The person attempts to enter Finland but is unable to give a credible reason for entry. In connection with deportation, the person may also be issued with an entry ban, says Chief Inspector Simo Kauppinen.

Further information

Alpha-PVP use slightly reduced – City to launch new pilots to continue to reduce drug-related harm | City of Helsinki

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Customers can now check in for permit service appointments via text message

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:07:00 GMT

When a customer has a booked appointment and arrives at a police station, they will receive a text message on their mobile phone. By replying to the message, the customer can notify staff that they have arrived.

− Replying to the message is free of charge, and the message is sent approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time. This service is available at all police stations that offer permit services, says Head of Licence Service Piia Näsänen.

If a customer does not reply to the check-in message, the appointment will proceed as usual, and the customer will be called by name. However, checking in is useful, for example, if a customer arrives early and the customer service representative has some time between scheduled appointments. In such cases, customers who have checked in may be called forward earlier, as customer service staff are aware that they are already waiting in the lobby.

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New kind of police cooperation between Finland and Sweden to begin on 1 July 2026

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:18:00 GMT

The agreement allows the parties to request assistance from the police of the other country to deal with urgent emergency tasks affecting life and health in municipalities along the national border. This kind of police cooperation, in which a police patrol from a neighbouring country independently carries out an emergency response task in another country, has never before been carried out between the two countries. With regard to Finland, the agreement applies to the areas of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Kolari, Muonio, Pello, Tornio and Ylitornio. The agreement gives police patrols from both countries the right, on their own initiative, even without a request, to cross the national border and to take such temporary measures in the border area as are necessary to avert an immediate threat to a person’s life, health or bodily integrity.

“This new form of cooperation will further enhance active police cooperation between the two countries,” says Deputy National Police Commissioner Sanna Heikinheimo at the National Police Board of Finland.

Both contracting states will assign police officers who have consented to participate in this operation and who have been trained for this purpose over the past few months, both in their own countries and through joint training and exercises organised for police officers from both countries. The training has been carried out in excellent cooperation between the National Police Board of Finland, Police University College, Lapland Police Department, Oulu Police Department and Norrbotten Police District in Sweden.

”Under the new agreement, the operational police units of the Finnish Police are the Lapland Police Department for patrol operations and the Northern Police Command Centre, located at Oulu Police Department, for decision-making processes related to providing and requesting assistance,” says Vesa Pihajoki, Police Chief at Lapland Police Department.

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Police remind people about road safety and online services also during Midsummer

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:23:00 GMT

The Midsummer weekend once again brings heavy traffic to the main roads. Western Uusimaa police department urges all road users to exercise caution and patience in traffic. It is recommended to start your journey well-rested and with enough time. Observing speed limits and maintaining proper safety distances reduces the risk of accidents significantly. In addition, using a seatbelt prevents serious injuries in the event of an accident.

During Midsummer, the police will pay special attention to monitoring speeding and drink driving. No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants under any circumstances. The police will also monitor waterway traffic.

Emergency response patrols will continue their normal operations throughout Midsummer. For the police, the mid-summer holiday often involves various disturbance-related tasks. The police expect a busy weekend but hope that people enjoy themselves and take care of one another.

On Midsummer’s Eve, 19th of June, all customer service points of the Western Uusimaa Police will be closed. Permit services, lost property services, and the reception of crime reports will not be available, but the online services are available every day of the year. Through the service, many passport, identity card, crime report, and firearms-related matters can be handled.

The police wish everyone a warm and safe Midsummer celebration!

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The visit of the Kenyan presidential will cause disruptions to traffic in Helsinki

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:47:00 GMT

President Stubb and Mrs Innes-Stubb will receive the Kenyan presidential couple at an official welcome ceremony on Wednesday 10 June in front of the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. The public will be able to follow the ceremony from the Market Square at around 10.00.

The police are responsible for the safety and security of the events and the related traffic arrangements. Traffic in front of the Presidential Palace will be stopped during the ceremony. The disruption will last about one hour, starting at around 09:30.

The events of the visit may require temporary traffic arrangements and short traffic delays, mostly in the Helsinki city centre. The police will ensure the safety of the events and direct traffic if necessary.

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When the police announce that a person is missing, it is always a serious situation

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:39:00 GMT

The police publish announcements of missing people every day. The publications can be broadly divided into two categories. There are people who have gone missing and have not been heard from in a long time. They have disappeared without a trace and have not been found, despite police investigations.

The second category includes people who have been missing for a very short time. People may wonder, ‘Why can’t a person go missing for a few hours? Why are the police looking for them already?’

Every case is assessed individually.

Missing people who need help

The police cannot disclose medical information about a missing person, but in most cases, the thing that connects them is that they are unable to take care of themselves for one reason or another.

Why do the police use public announcements when they are looking for people who have been missing for a short time? What is the benefit?

Sometimes missing people may travel long distances. For example, a person with memory loss could be in excellent physical condition and might ride a bike a long distance without a clear destination, or a young child may already know how to use public transport.

Finland’s climate also poses unique challenges for search operations. The heat of the summer and the cold in winter are particularly dangerous conditions for people who are unable to care for themselves. The dark season also makes searching more difficult.

The police have a variety of methods for searching for missing people. Dogs or drones may also be used to search the nearby area. If the missing person has travelled far, or if there is no precise information about where they went missing, tips from the public can help steer the search in the right direction.

260 kilometres away

Just recently, the police issued a report about a person who went missing in central Helsinki. The police conducted a search of the nearby area, before releasing a report and a photo of the missing person. By luck, a conductor on a long-distance train noticed the appeal and recognised the missing person from the photo in a newspaper. The person was sitting on the train, 260 kilometres from the place where they went missing.

The media help the police’s press releases to reach a wide audience. Short news stories about missing persons can be a hassle for journalists, as they often need to be updated quickly once the missing person has been found.

However, news reports are extremely important for ensuring that information reaches the very people who may have information about the whereabouts of missing people. For the same reason, it is very important to read news stories about missing persons.

“Tip-offs from the public can play a critical role in finding missing people and save lives. The police would like to thank both the media and the public for their active cooperation in the search for missing people. Every missing person has someone who loves them and wants them to come home," says Chief Inspector Mikko Minkkinen of the Helsinki Police Department's command centre.

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Gambling licences interest gambling operators

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:37:00 GMT

It has been possible to apply for gambling licences since 1.3.2026. The National Police Board's Gambling Administration has so far received 50 applications. After their application has been received, applicants are sent an invoice to pay the processing fee, which in 2026 is €29,000. Once the processing fee has been paid, the applications will start to be processed.

“The reliability and suitability of the applicants will be evaluated on the basis of documents, such as register extracts, certificates and various reports, submitted by the applicant. The complexity of processing and evaluating applications is affected by the fact that the majority of applicants are foreign,” says Juha Katainen, Senior Adviser at the National Police Board.

The National Police Board hopes that applicants will carefully read the instructions on how to complete the application and submit the attachments. Applicants are asked to submit only the attachments that are in accordance with the instructions. If necessary, the National Police Board will request additional information to the application and attachments.

Requests for additional information may be made, for example, regarding the financial situation of the companies linked to the applicant, as these may play a significant role in financing the launch of the applicant's operations.

No deadline for submitting applications

There is no deadline for applying for a gambling licence. The application process is continuous, so to speak. However, applicants should take into account the target processing time of applications, which is currently around 6 months.

“We hope that applicants will avoid constantly contacting us about the processing status of their application, as answering enquiries takes time away from the processing applications,” Juha Katainen says.

Information about average processing time will be updated on the police of Finland website as soon as this is possible.

“The best way applicants can help the processing of their application is by following the instructions given and submitting their application carefully,” Juha Katainen adds.

The gambling market will open up, and the first gambling licences will enter into force on 1 July 2027, which is when gambling operators that have already received a licence will also be able to start operations.

Gambling services will continue to be supervised and licences granted by the National Police Board until the end of June 2027 and from July 2027 by the Finnish Supervisory Agency.

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Investigation into Fitburg cable damage concluded

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:01:00 GMT

The criminal investigation concerned damage to two telecommunications cables within Estonia's exclusive economic zone on 31 December 2025, with some of the damage also sustained within Finnish territorial waters. The incident was initially investigated through a joint operation by Finnish authorities, after which the NBI opened a formal criminal investigation.

The suspected offences were aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. The investigation concluded with four suspects, three of whom remain subject to a travel ban.

The NBI worked throughout the investigation in close cooperation with the Estonian National Criminal Police within the framework of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The maritime capabilities of the Finnish Border Guard and the Finnish Defence Forces played a central role both in the initial phase of the joint operation and throughout the criminal investigation. Finnish Customs and the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom also made significant contributions to the investigation and inter-agency cooperation.

– This kind of inter-agency cooperation allows us to respond quickly, pool the expertise of various actors and work effectively even in complex cases. It has also been crucial in driving this investigation forward and bringing it to a conclusion both swiftly and to a high standard, says Detective Superintendent Kimmo Huhta-aho of the NBI, who led the investigation.

The criminal investigation is complete and the case will be now referred to prosecution authorities for consideration of charges. The consideration of charges will be conducted by the Deputy Prosecutor General.

How events unfolded

On 31 December 2025, two subsea telecommunications cables owned by Elisa Oyj and Arelion Finland Oy and running between Finland and Estonia were damaged within Estonia's exclusive economic zone. Suspicion quickly fell on a cargo vessel named Fitburg, flying the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Finnish Border Guard identified the vessel in connection with the incident, prevented further damage, and instructed the vessel to proceed to a safe anchorage. Once the vessel had anchored, operational command passed to the Helsinki Police Department. Shortly afterwards, the prosecutor issued an investigation order and the criminal investigation was opened, at which point responsibility for the investigation passed to the NBI.

The vessel was instructed to proceed to a place of safety for the purposes of the investigation, and was taken into possession by the authorities upon entering Finnish territorial waters on 31 December 2025. The vessel was subsequently escorted to the port of Kantvik in Kirkkonummi for extensive investigative measures.

A national joint intelligence and investigation team comprising police, customs and border guard authorities (PTR) was established to investigate the case. Furthermore, an international Joint Investigation Team (JIT) with Estonia was set up.

In order to secure the investigation, the NBI seized the vessel Fitburg from 07 to 12 January 2026.

During the investigation, evidence was gathered from the damage site, on board the vessel and from devices belonging to crew members, and the investigation was advanced using both technical and tactical methods. The investigation included, among other measures, interviews, underwater surveys, and extensive inter-agency cooperation.

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Police operational results have developed positively – the work of supervisors is a strength

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:11:00 GMT

- Processing times, the real-time nature of investigations and ensuring regional equality still require further measures.

Last week, the National Police Board held interim performance discussions with the heads of police units. The discussions assessed the achievement of targets and priorities for the remainder of the year.

Clearance rates for violent crime have improved

The clearance rate for violent and robbery offences has improved from 64 per cent to 71 per cent.

- Serious crimes have been solved more quickly than before, and last year criminal cycles were broken at an early stage. For example, the sharp increase in youth crime in 2023–2024 was halted through intensified investigations and targeted measures, says Chief Superintendent Minna Ketola.

- It now appears again that youth crime has returned to a growth path of a few per cent, and measures that have proven effective must be continued and further intensified.

The police also have legislative proposals under preparation that would enable necessary measures, particularly in cases involving serious offences committed by minors, to counter negative developments.

More aggravated narcotics offences are being uncovered than before, and the size of individual seizures has increased. A large proportion of drug use offences are detected in connection with traffic enforcement, particularly cases of driving under the influence of drugs.

Progress has been made in identifying domestic violence. The police make approximately 950 crime reports and child welfare notifications per month. This represents an increase of around 200 reports per month since national guidelines were updated. Slightly more than 50 temporary restraining orders are issued per month.

Response times have improved while the number of assignments has increased

Response times for urgent emergency assignments have improved, even as their number has increased.

- In concrete terms, this means that the police arrive on scene faster, even though there are more urgent assignments than before, says Chief Superintendent Sami Hätönen.

Police supervision and preventive work are also more visible in everyday life than before.

- The share of self-initiated assignments has risen to at least 50 per cent in almost all units. Police patrols actively visit schools and daycare centres and are therefore increasingly present among young people. This also enables early intervention in disturbances.

The number of removals from the country and refusals of entry has increased.

- Operations are now guided by a more precise situational picture. A specific example is refusals of entry based on public order and security grounds, which are used to prevent, for example, professional criminals or individuals known to be violent from entering the country.

Electronic services have reached a new level. Of police permit services, 78.9 per cent are handled electronically.

Processing of crime reports remains a bottleneck

Seven out of ten crime reports are resolved within less than one month. The target set is even more ambitious, at 75–80 per cent.

- The target is not achieved in all cases due, for example, to additional clarifications required for crime reports and delays in responses to these requests, Minna Ketola notes.

Real-time investigation of offences involving young people and children also remains a challenge, and investigation times have increased. At the beginning of the year, suspicions of violent offences committed by young people increased by eight per cent, and youth crime overall by 3.5 per cent.

The increase adds to the investigative workload and makes rapid processing more difficult, even though investigations have been centralised and developed in several units.

In sparsely populated areas, patrols may have longer response times

Regional differences inevitably affect the level of police services. In sparsely populated areas, response times have remained below targets despite development measures, due to long distances and limited resources.

- The impact on individual assignments can be significant, even though the national average has remained at a good level, says Sami Hätönen.

As part of improving the smoothness and speed of criminal investigations, enhancing customer service and reducing investigative caseloads, investigative measures have increasingly been carried out already by field patrols.

Investigative measures conducted by field patrols improve the quality of police services and speed up pre-trial investigations. Progress in this respect has been made at every police department.

The work of immediate supervisors is one of the police’s strengths

According to the police personnel barometer, the work of immediate supervisors is one of the organisation’s strengths. The national focus is on people-oriented and professional leadership. This objective is based on the development theme chosen by the police and, more broadly, on the Government Personnel Strategy 2030.

- Since last year, the key development focus has been work ability management. Supervisors support work ability in day-to-day leadership and address challenges at an early stage. Solutions are sought together with employees, says Director of Administration Kati Korpi.

Police supervisors have been trained in work ability management. Occupational health services provide support to help prevent excessive workload in demanding duties.
The police also monitor violence and threat situations directed at personnel more closely than before. The aim is to improve situational awareness and develop occupational safety.

Supervisors give a promise of good leadership

The promise of good leadership was introduced last year, and its implementation is being continued. Managing work ability in everyday operations is a normal part of daily leadership for all supervisors.

Heads of police units are committed to leading in accordance with values, the ethical code and occupational well-being. Our leadership is people-oriented and ensures productivity and effective operations, Korpi says.

Sickness absence in the police has remained at the same level in recent years, at approximately 11 days per full-time equivalent. For sworn police officers, the figure is slightly below 10 days.
At the beginning of the year, absences among police officers have decreased slightly. The most common cause of sickness absence among police personnel overall is musculoskeletal disorders.

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Police to monitor and promote safe waterway traffic

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:51:00 GMT

The aims of the police boating policing operations are:

The goal on waterways (as on the roads) is a zero vision for road safety and to halve deaths in waterway traffic in 2020 – 2030.
To promote good boating practice and to prevent waterway traffic accidents.
To reduce boating while intoxicated. Around 80% of persons falling off of a boat and drowning are intoxicated.
To improve the use of safety equipment. Compulsory equipment for all motorboats and sailing boats over 5 metres long are life vests, oars/a paddle/an anchor, a bailing device (pump, bailer or bucket), fire extinguisher when certain conditions are met.
To oversee public order and safety on waterways and in the archipelago. In practice, this means dealing with emergency operations in waterway areas, harbours and the archipelago.
Nature conservation and environmental protection. Supervision of fishing and hunting.

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Police stepped up surveillance of festivities by young people and children during the end-of-school week

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:18:00 GMT

Importance of cooperation with schools has become increasingly evident

The active presence of the police in schoolyards is part of a nationwide school cooperation model that the police launched last year. The purpose of the model has been to increase police interaction with children and young people.

The same school cooperation model also includes virtual lessons led by the KOULU25 team. In the last week of May, traffic-themed lessons by the police attracted more than 81,000 children and young people to their screens. In total, all national online lessons have had well over half a million viewers live over the past year.

The police have also distributed the contact information of the local police to all schools in the event of problems. The police have received thousands of contacts from teachers and principals through phone calls. Cooperation has been extensive.

End-of-school week celebrations of young people have changed over the years

Police departments have already reported on the results from their respective areas regarding the end-of-school-year weekend. When compiling national statistics and comparing them to previous years, the end-of-school-year weekend this year saw relatively peaceful celebrations among young people, with the exception of a few isolated incidents. Excessive alcohol consumption, which was common in previous years, is now significantly less prevalent than earlier.

Surveillance during the end-of-school weekend is always mostly carried out through visible policing by intervening in the use and possession of all intoxicants. This year, the police devoted approximately 10% more working hours to surveillance than last year. Surveillance was carried out in several areas working together with youth and social services as well as other police stakeholders.

The last day of most schools was on Saturday, which is when most of the surveillance took place. During the surveillance operation, 1,136 litres of alcohol were disposed of nationwide. This is about 400 litres more than in 2025 but remains at roughly the same level as in 2024 (1,168 litres). In previous years, the amount of alcohol disposed of has often been significantly higher, although no two years are comparable in this respect either. This is partly due to the amount of working time allocated to surveillance by the police, which varies annually based on the number of other emergency tasks. Another significant factor is the weather, which affects young people's enjoyment of being out and about on the evening of the last day of the school year.

Of the drinks disposed of, 347 litres contained more than 4.7% alcohol, which means most of the drinks disposed of were of light alcoholic content. During the weekend, a total of 394 persons under the age of 18 were found guilty of offences, 99 of these persons were under the age of 15. Last year, the number of persons under the age of 15 was only 21. However, no major conclusions can be drawn from this, as in the light of statistics there seems to be large regional differences. The police will analyse these figures in greater detail as part of their data-driven approach. If the analysis reveals any particular background factor, measures will be directed in the form of proactive measures where they will be most effective —for example, through cooperation with schools.

Fortunately, only a few knives or objects capable of causing serious injury were found. A total of 410 child welfare reports were filed during the week-long operation. Although the number of child welfare reports is slightly higher than last year, it cannot be considered significantly high. A few years ago, during a similar surveillance period, over 1,000 child welfare reports were filed over the same weekend.

“The responsibility for children and young people and what they do always lies with their parents. This cannot be overemphasised. The police do their part, for example, through cooperation with schools, but the real supervision and guidance of children’s and young people’s behaviour take place at home,” says Chief Superintendent Tuomo Korhonen at the National Police Board.

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Extensive Financial Crime Investigation Involving Uros Oy Draws to a Close

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:01:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation has largely completed the criminal investigation into international technology company Uros Oy, and the case is currently being referred to the prosecution for consideration of charges. The offences under investigation have been aggravated dishonesty by a debtor, aggravated accounting offence and aggravated forgery. In addition, the police have investigated two separate offences of aggravated fraud relating to financing negotiations conducted by the company in its early days.

The Uros group has comprised a total of 14 companies across different parts of the world, the most distant being located in China, Taiwan and Brazil. In respect of the primary suspected offence, namely aggravated dishonesty by a debtor, the suspected offences will be referred to the prosecution for consideration of charges against ten persons, two of whom have been identified as the principal suspects. The number of suspects varies across the remaining offences.

– In addition to the suspects, the police have interviewed numerous individuals in the course of the criminal investigation, and this is indeed an exceptionally large and extensive financial crime case of a kind not previously seen in Finland. Furthermore, Switzerland transferred two separate fraud investigations relating to the case to the National Bureau of Investigation, the criminal investigation into which is underway. In respect of the offences of aggravated fraud, there is reason to suspect that investors were misled by the provision of false information, says Head of Investigation, Detective Superintendent Henry Rinteelä of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The suspected offences were committed primarily in 2019–2022. The criminal investigation has been time-consuming owing to the extensive international cooperation involved.

In practical terms, the suspected offences concern a situation in which Uros Oy accumulated substantial receivables from its group companies whilst simultaneously incurring debt and, on the basis of the findings of the criminal investigation, being effectively insolvent as early as the beginning of 2019. Furthermore, on the basis of the criminal investigation there is reason to suspect that assets were disposed of at an undervalue and that sales receivables of Uros Oy were transferred to other companies without commercial grounds.

Financial liabilities were also increased without justification whilst the company was already experiencing significant payment difficulties. The total criminal damage suspected in the criminal investigation amounts to approximately 37,900,000 euros.

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National Police Commissioner Koskimäki: Police results at the beginning of the year are positive – Strict conduct obligations for oath takers

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:19:00 GMT

– The number of emergency assignments has increased nationwide, but despite this, response times for urgent tasks have decreased. In addition, patrol units have been highly active in engaging with schools and daycare yards, and preventive work is part of everyday operations, Koskimäki stated at the police oath ceremony in Tampere on Wednesday.

– Six out of ten crime reports are resolved in less than one month. This improves legal protection for the parties involved and reduces the administrative burden. The clearance rate for violent crimes and robberies has risen to over 77 percent at the beginning of the year, compared to less than 65 percent last year.

“It is important for us to identify evolving threats”

Koskimäki is confident that police performance can also be secured in the coming years. The number of operational police personnel has been increased, and Parliament has just approved legislation on a police reserve.

– It is important for us to identify evolving threats, prepare for them, and systematically develop our capabilities so that citizens can continue to trust that the police will provide an immediate response.

He referred in his speech to drone-related threats and noted that the police have also prepared for them, as aircraft can be used for terrorist and criminal purposes.

“At times we encounter poor police work – and it must be addressed”

The National Police Commissioner emphasized to the oath takers the importance of conduct obligations and ethical principles.

– Public trust and the strong reputation of the police are earned through doing the right things in daily work and communicating about them. The opposite is misconduct, for which we have absolute zero tolerance. At times we encounter poor police work, and it must be addressed, he said.

– Criminal or unethical behavior is unacceptable under any circumstances. We do not conceal misconduct either. If you observe such behavior, it is your duty as a police officer to report it within your organization.

The speech by the National Police Commissioner has been published on the police website at police.fi

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Intensive police enforcement operation revealed a large number of traffic safety violations involving young people

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:56:00 GMT

A total of 426 penalty fees were imposed on drivers of light e-vehicles, mostly e-scooter riders, of which 119 concerned riding on the pavement and 172 concerned transporting passengers on an e-scooter. In addition, 73 drivers of light e-vehicles were issued with penalty fees for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 18 vehicles were found to be "tuned", i.e. vehicles travelling at a speed of more than 25 km/h. Cyclists were issued with 288 penalty fees, most of which, 219, were for riding on the pavement.

Motorists were issued with 55 fines for violating pedestrian crossing rules. In addition, parking enforcement was carried out in cooperation with parking control inspectors. A total of 901 parking fines were issued for vehicles parked incorrectly in the vicinity of a pedestrian crossing, and 292 parking fines were issued for parking/stopping on a pavement or bicycle lane.

The enforcement operation also addressed violations by moped riders, of which 902 were found. During the enforcement operation, the police caught 14 moped riders suspected of riding their moped under the influence, 137 of drivers operating a vehicle without a licence and 79 cases of ineffective mufflers or silencers.

“The results of the enforcement operation are concerning. Over the course of three weeks the operation took place, a very high number of incidents that endangered traffic safety were detected, indicating that there are still serious shortcomings in compliance with the rules,” says Chief Superintendent Heikki Kallio at the National Police Board.

17-year-olds are not allowed to drive a car at night

The Driving Licence Act was amended with effect from 29 May 2026 so that a night-time driving ban (midnight-5am) applies to all 17-year-olds driving a vehicle that require a passenger car driving licence (category B). During the weekend of 29-31 May, the police caught four 17-year-olds behind the wheel at night. They were fined and temporarily banned from driving.

The police will continue to enforce traffic safety and remind all road users of their shared responsibility for maintaining a safe traffic environment.

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Make sure to submit the annual report related to the money collection permit on time

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:55:00 GMT

The report must be submitted even if no funds have been collected during the financial year. In this case, a so-called zero report must be prepared. The zero report can be used for stating issues such that no money collection has been organised or no donations have been received during the financial year.

The annual report must be submitted to the National Police Board within six months of the end of the financial year. You can submit the report in the police e-services.

“It is important to submit the report on time. In this way, the holder of the permit can ensure that the money collection activities can continue without interruption,” says Senior Adviser Tiina Mäkinen of the National Police Board.

The processing of the annual report is subject to a fee. In 2026, the processing fee is 205 euros.

Supplement the annual report with the required supporting documents

Attach the financial statements for the financial year and their notes to the annual report. Please note that the financial statements must also be duly signed, and the auditor’s or performance auditor’s report on the financial statements must also be included.

If your organisation has an auditor, the auditor’s statement must also be attached to the annual report, including the zero report. This statement must be specifically about money collection.

The National Police Board needs the supporting documents required for the annual report in order to be able to supervise that money collection has been organised in accordance with the regulations concerning money collection. If the supporting documents have not been submitted or if they are incomplete, the National Police Board will ask you to submit or supplement them. An incomplete annual report may also lead to the suspension of money collection.

You can also submit an annual plan on money collection for the next financial year at the same time

Also make sure to submit an annual plan on money collection. You can submit it conveniently in connection with the annual report, but no later than two months before the beginning of the next financial year.

The annual plan is always drawn up of money collection organised during the next financial year, not for the current year. In the free-format annual plan, describe at least the collection purposes of the money collection to be organised, an estimate of the expected proceeds from money collection and the estimated expenses to be incurred from money collection.

The easiest way to submit the annual plan is also through the police e-services.

More detailed instructions on how to fill in and submit the annual report and annual plan can be found on the poliisi.fi website.

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Determining the cause of the Kalasatama fire will take weeks

Tue, 26 May 2026 07:49:00 GMT

On Saturday 23 May at approximately 21:00, the police and the Helsinki City Rescue Department received a report of a building fire on Leonkatu in Kalasatama. According to the information received by the Emergency Response Centre, a balcony of a block of flats was on fire.

Based on the preliminary assessment by the police, the fire started from a small tabletop gas barbecue on a fourth-floor balcony.

The police are investigating the offence as causing a public danger. One person is suspected of the offence.

– The male suspect has been interviewed. He denies having committed an offence. The suspect states that he attempted to barbecue safely. According to him, there was no food on the barbecue at the time the fire started. He says it had been turned on shortly before to heat up for cooking. The suspect also attempted to extinguish the fire, says head investigato, Detective Chief Inspector Tuomas Lindholm.

The current police suspicion is that gas leaked from the barbecue. This caused the fire to ignite rapidly.

Determining the final cause of the fire will take weeks. The pre-trial investigation as a whole will take months. The police are carrying out a technical examination. They are also in contact with the importer of the barbecue in order to rule out a technical fault.

– The task of the police is to determine criminal liability in this case. The fire has prompted public debate on fire safety, but the police will not comment on that matter. Fire inspectors from the Helsinki City Rescue Department are examining the structures of the block of flats. They are responsible for questions related to general fire safety. We are working in close cooperation with the Rescue Department, Lindholm notes.

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Helsinki pupils will celebrate the end of their school year, and the police will be on hand during the festivities

Tue, 26 May 2026 05:49:00 GMT

Officers will patrol areas that are popular among young people, including parks and beaches, as well as the playgrounds of daycare centres and schools. Active surveillance will be conducted in cooperation with social services and youth services.

As in previous years, the police are prepared to remove young people from park areas after dark if there are large numbers of intoxicated individuals present and the number of disturbances increases. The police always have a justified reason for clearing people out of parks and public spaces. The aim is to prevent disorder, accidents and young people becoming victims of crime.

Celebrations will be kept safe

In previous years, the final weekend of the school year has generally gone smoothly and the atmosphere has been light-hearted. However, some places have become less safe after nightfall, with thousands of minors present at the same time.

“We would like to remind everyone, just as we do on May Day, that young people must not have knives or fireworks with them at celebrations. As far as minors are concerned, there must also be zero tolerance for intoxicants. We hope that parents will remain vigilant and aware of where their children are spending time," says Inspector Juri Pakarinen of the Helsinki Police Department.

Guardians of minors are advised to answer calls from unknown numbers during the evening and at night, as the call may be from an authority.

In previous years, the police have regularly been informed of incidents in which, for example, fireworks have been set off in crowds.

“In busy areas, such as Hietaniemi Beach and Kaivopuisto Park, the police have had to intervene in fights and disturbances. The police are not there to stop young people from celebrating or enjoying their evening, but it is our job to make sure that no one becomes a victim of crime or is seriously injured," says Inspector Pakarinen.

Surveillance will focus on alcohol, drugs and knives

The police will intervene in underage drinking, and inspections will begin in the early evening at the most popular party spots. The police will intervene in underage drinking by confiscating alcoholic beverages from minors. If the police find alcohol on a minor, they can issue a fine and notify the guardian and child welfare authorities. In addition to the possession of alcohol, other key enforcement priorities include narcotics and bladed weapons.

The police have no specific indications that young people are carrying knives more often than before. However, the perception is that if a person is carrying a knife, they may also be willing to use it.

“Disputes can have irreversible consequences that an impulsive perpetrator may not consider beforehand. That is why it is extremely important for parents to be aware of what their children have with them," Inspector Juri Pakarinen says.

Many responsible adults will be out and about in the city at night

On Saturday, the police and emergency medical services will be available for young people, along with youth workers and volunteers, such as the Finnish Red Cross, Operaatio Saapas, and the City of Helsinki’s Youth Services. All these people will be on hand to ensure that young people have a safe evening and that help is always close by. In an emergency, always call 112.

“The most important thing is to remember to look out for your friends and ask for help when you need it. The police would like to congratulate everyone who is finishing school and wish them a great start to the summer," Pakarinen concludes.

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Police urge anyone with information about the Riihimäki grenade to call the emergency number

Wed, 20 May 2026 13:39:00 GMT

This news release will no longer be updated.

Thu, May 21, 2026, 3:19 p.m.: The emergency situation in Riihimäki has ended. The dangerous object is in police custody. Häme Police Department

At 18.45: A man and a child on a bicycle were seen in the vicinity of the ice hall at 15.05. The police request the man to report via the emergency number.

At 17.38: The Häme Police Department has issued an Emergency Warning: A wartime grenade has been found near the Riihimäki ice hall and may be in the possession of an outside person. The grenade is life-threatening. It must not be handled. The police urge anyone who has taken possession of the grenade or who may observe it to call the emergency telephone number 112 immediately. More information: poliisi.fi.

At 16.38: According to a police assessment, a wartime grenade has been found in a field near the Riihimäki ice hall.

The police suspect that an outside person took possession of the grenade before the area was sealed off.

The police urge anyone who has taken the grenade or has information about it to call the emergency telephone number 112 immediately. The grenade may be dangerous and must not be touched.

This article will be updated until further notice.

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Results of intensified police enforcement operation reflect increasing prevalence of cocaine in our society

Mon, 18 May 2026 12:04:00 GMT

Street enforcement as a separate theme

In past years, the police have carried out street enforcement operations focused on substance abuse and public order, particularly during the last week of the school year. During these operations, the focus has been specifically on individuals under the age of 18, and enforcement efforts have targeted the distribution and possession of all types of intoxicants.

“This year, the thematic enforcement programme included a separate part focusing on the street enforcement of drugs as part of the police's narcotics crime prevention programme. One of the strategic priorities of the programme is managing drug-related crime at the street level,” says Chief Superintendent Toni Sjöblom at the National Police Board.

Narcotics and the effects caused by them are constantly visible in police work and it is important that the police do their part to prevent this crime that weakens the security of society,” he adds.

Enforcement results paint a grim picture

Over the course of a single week, more than 200 individuals were reported on suspicion of an offence. By comparison, in 2024—when the enforcement focus was broader, the target group was young people, and the timing coincided with the last week of school—approximately 270 individuals were reported on suspicion of an offence. During the recent enforcement period, only 15 were under the age of 18. This shows that enforcement at the street level is needed.

The enforcement operation resulted in the filing of almost 200 police reports: 47 for narcotics offences; 18 for aggravated offences and 107 for illegal use of narcotics. When interpreting the results, it should be taken into account that more serious offences usually involve several people who also use drugs themselves, which also reveals offences involving use. Because suspected offences often also lead to the loss of liberty in order to safeguard the criminal investigation, some 90 people were apprehended and detained during the week, with almost 10 of these ending up as prisoners on remand.

Coercive measures in particular are important tools in solving offences. Approximately 120 searches of domiciles and premises were conducted, more than double the number compared to 2024. The number of searches of data contained in a device was also up by around 50% compared to 2024, even though a legislative change that took effect in December 2025 requires the police to obtain a court order to conduct a search of data contained in a device. This reflects the fact that the police are able to professionally assess the grounds for device searches and that this method is necessary for solving crimes.

“Cannabis was seized across all police departments, with the total amount reaching around 15 kg. In 2024, only about 0.5 kg of cannabis was seized. A significant observation is that, based on the seizures, cocaine seizures are just as common as amphetamine seizures, and that the amount of cocaine seized now accounts for around double that of amphetamine,” Sjöblom points out. Over 2 kg of cocaine and about 1 kg of amphetamine were seized, with seizures of both substances occurring at seven different police departments. Smaller amounts of other narcotics and narcotic medications were also seized.

One of the aims of narcotics criminals is to reap as much financial benefit as possible from illegal trafficking, and illegal activities are often under the control of organised crime. Seizing the proceeds of crime is also a focus of the prevention programme, and more than €200,000 in cash was seized by the police during the period of the enforcement operation.

Police refer substance abusers to treatment

The programme also focuses on early intervention and referral to treatment.

“One way, besides other measures, to prevent drug crime and the problems it causes to society is to reduce the demand for drugs, which is why it is vitally important to refer substance abusers to treatment,” Sjöblom points out.

Every encounter with a user can be the key to a better future if referral is successful and a start is made on finding solutions to their problems. The police are prepared to refer clients directly from their custody into the treatment system if they are told where to send them. In this context, it is also important to note that the harms caused by drugs are generally not only personal but inevitably affect those close to the user as well, which is why measures encouraging to end substance use are important.

As a result of the offences detected during the enforcement operation, 51 persons were referred to treatment, and 28 child welfare notifications were made.

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New handbook provides guidance on a consistent approach and multidisciplinary cooperation in the investigation of crimes involving children and young people

Wed, 13 May 2026 08:10:00 GMT

The original handbook, the Handbook on the investigation of violent and sexual crimes against children, was published in Finnish on 16 November 2021. The update now also takes into account children who are suspects or witnesses, together with other types of offences besides violent and sexual crimes.

The handbook has been updated as part of the Barnahus project coordinated by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), one of the goals of which is to ensure and develop child-friendly, high-quality legal processes while taking into account multi-authority cooperation.

Taking the child’s best interests into account, high-quality investigations, and multidisciplinary cooperation

The investigation of crimes involving children requires the investigating authority to have special expertise. The purpose of this handbook is to support high-quality investigation that places particular emphasis on multidisciplinary cooperation and the best interests of the child. Consistent procedures promote the equal treatment of children and the realisation of a fair trial, and expedite the investigation. Taking the best interests of the child into account in the investigation of crimes involving children requires a comprehensive understanding of the situation, which can only be achieved through multidisciplinary cooperation.

Handbook contents and target group

The handbook supplements the National Police Board’s existing guidelines and regulations with concrete operating instructions. Efforts have been made to raise the awareness of the investigating authorities regarding the particular characteristics of the investigation of crimes involving children and young people, and the need for a sensitive approach through diverse texts written by a range of professionals. The various chapters of the handbook have been written by numerous professionals from the police, the Police University College, university hospitals, other authorities and the third sector.

Availability and use

The handbook has been translated also into Swedish. The handbook is published only in electronic format to make it easier to update. Like the original handbook, the updated version is also publicly available to make it easily accessible to both the authorities and the general public. Although the guide is primarily intended for authorities conducting criminal investigations, it also serves as educational and background material for, for example, individuals who may encounter underage victims of crime in their work.

Download the handbook from our website: poliisi.fi/julkaisut (In Finnish)

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Police propose revising the legislation banning face coverings

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:44:00 GMT

Concealing your face is incompatible with the values of an open and safe society. The Police propose revising the legislation banning face coverings.

The law as it stands prohibits a person from disguising their identity at a gathering in a public place if their intent is to commit an offence. In practice, however, the interpretation of the law concerning “clear intent” is challenging for the police, as it requires advance proof of a plan to commit a crime.

Concealing one’s identity is linked to certain fundamental rights, such as the freedom of speech and the right to self-determination. At the same time, however, it can encourage illegal activity and jeopardise the safety of others. One person’s right to cover their face cannot take precedence over the rights of others, such as their personal safety.

“The current legislation on face coverings needs to be revised. Participating in a protest while wearing a mask has no place in an open and safe society. Openness requires the courage to stand by your words and show your face," notes Deputy National Police Commissioner Sanna Heikinheimo in her article.

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Police brought together key partners and decision-makers to discuss security

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:39:00 GMT

The course attracted a wide range of participants from government organisations, ministries, and stakeholders, as well as members of parliament from different political parties.

Police are a key actor in internal security

The changed operational environment may also require changes in the way authorities operate in order to ensure security.

"The security environment in Europe and Finland has undergone a permanent change. We are living through a period of transformation in which security, the economy, and society are increasingly interconnected. A new concept for police operations aimed at decision-makers is therefore a welcome development, as it responds to changes in the security environment and strengthens preparedness," Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen stated in her speech.

The purpose of the course was to enhance decision-makers’ overall understanding of the internal security operational environment and police operations: what everyday policing is like and what the capabilities, resources and legislation are from the law enforcement perspective.

“The police are a key actor in internal security. It’s good for decision-makers to know in more detail what the police are doing in order to be able to respond to the security situation together with decision-makers and stakeholders," says Niina Uskali, Assistant Police Commissioner at the National Police Board, who was the course leader.

Different operations of the police create an effective whole

The police have a range of different capabilities, which are not separate but closely interconnected. The course provided background on police enforcement and emergency response operations, traffic safety, crime prevention, as well as licence supervision and how all of these are interconnected and together create an effective whole.

On the course, participants were able, among other things, to practice decision-making in a simulated virtual police task.

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Malminkartano murder case referred for prosecution

Fri, 08 May 2026 09:22:00 GMT

According to the police, an argument broke out between a married couple, both aged around 70, on the evening of 6 February 2026. The dispute concerned, among other things, financial matters.

Later that night, the man woke up and struck his sleeping wife repeatedly on the head with a ball-peen hammer. The woman died from her head injuries.

The man is suspected of the murder of his wife.

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Police to visibly step up enforcement of young people’s traffic behaviour and use of intoxicants

Thu, 07 May 2026 11:21:00 GMT

The police will carry out an intensive enforcement operation in built-up areas in weeks 20-22. The police will monitor pedestrian crossings and how vulnerable road users such as e-scooter riders and cyclists obey the rules of the road.

Enforcement at pedestrian crossings will focus on compliance by vehicle drivers with the pedestrian crossing rules. As regards cyclists and operators of light e-vehicles, the police will pay attention to whether they ride on the pavement, whether they ride while intoxicated and whether they obey the give-way and passenger transport rules.

”Over the enforcement period, we will intervene in hazardous parking that endangers mobility, for example in the vicinity of pedestrian crossings and on cycle lanes together with municipal parking control,” says Chief Superintendent Heikki Kallio at the National Police Board.

In 2025, almost one in four, a total of 24%, of those killed in road traffic were children or young people. Five were under the age of 15 and 37 were between the ages of 15 and 24.

Vulnerable road users account for a high percentage of total road traffic fatalities

“In 2025, vulnerable road users accounted for 36.1% (34.5% in 2024) of road traffic fatalities in Finland. These figures include motorised two-wheeled vehicles. This is why the safety of these road user groups must remain at the heart of road safety work,” Kallio points out.

According to preliminary data from Statistics Finland, five pedestrians and one motorcyclist died in road traffic accidents in January-March 2026.

Police to focus on visible enforcement as the school year ends

Police departments will carry out intensified street and substance abuse enforcement during the long weekend, 29-31 May 2026, at the end of the school year. Enforcement will focus on young people under the age of 18. Young people often gather to celebrate the end of the school year, and these gatherings involve the use of intoxicants and the associated side effects. The aim of visible police enforcement is to prevent disorder, accidents and young people becoming victims of crime.

Police will intervene in the possession of intoxicants and edged or bladed weapons

Most of the police enforcement operation will be visible and the police will intervene in the use and possession of all intoxicants. Based on police observations, young people are unfortunately often in possession of edged or bladed weapons or other objects capable of harming others. Intervening in the possession of edged or bladed weapons is a key enforcement issue, as well as the possession of narcotic substances and alcohol.

Local police departments will work closely with youth and social services, among others, during the enforcement period. Cooperation between authorities ensures effective intervention and an immediate response to any problems that may arise in relation to young people.

“It’s important for parents to know where their children are spending their weekends, with whom and what they are doing. Backpacks and bags should be checked in cooperation with the young person before going out to party. This helps to avoid unpleasant surprises that arise that intervention by the authorities often brings, ” says Chief Superintendent Tuomo Korhonen.

Police departments will provide information about their enforcement in various ways during and after their operations.

The purpose of intensive enforcement is particularly to prevent the harm caused by alcohol, narcotic substances and other intoxicants.

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National Bureau of Investigation and Border Guard conclude major criminal investigation involving reindeer herding in Upper Lapland

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Lapland Border Guard have concluded their criminal investigation into an extensive series of property, financial and hunting offences in Upper Lapland. The investigation covered a range of suspected offences, including aggravated money laundering, aggravated fraud, aggravated hunting offences and an aggravated nature conservation offence. The case involves around 15 suspects in total, with the alleged offences believed to have been committed between 2020 and 2025.

In this investigation, the National Bureau of Investigation was responsible the financial and property offences, while the Lapland Border Guard investigated the hunting offences and nature conservation offences.

The National Bureau of Investigation has investigated suspected thefts of reindeer and the concealment of stolen reindeer across the territories of three herding co-operatives. The investigation also uncovered suspected aggravated fraud in the claims process for predator damage and road traffic accident compensation. In June 2025, the police and the Lapland Border Guard carried out a number of searches of premises and arrests in Upper Lapland, seizing evidence in connection with the suspected offences. Over the summer and autumn, investigators reviewed the material seized in the context of the searches and conducted interviews.

– This case being investigated has been an extremely extensive one, and the criminal matters under investigation have been thoroughly examined. This is, in my view, one of the most extensive criminal investigations into the reindeer herding industry in recent decades, says Head of Investigation, Detective Superintendent Teemu Mäntyniemi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The suspects and their associates are alleged to have been involved in money laundering by transferring stolen reindeer into their ownership, then concealing the animals' origin by re-marking them with their ear tags or ear notches, or registering them for slaughter in their names.

Illegal bear hunting investigated by Lapland Border Guard

The Lapland Border Guard investigated suspected aggravated hunting and nature conservation offences alleged to have been committed in the spring of 2025. The case comprises several separate incidents, mostly relating to the illegal bear hunting in the reindeer herding area, with the criminal investigation establishing that the motive was to reduce predator damage to reindeer.

The suspected offences were committed between April and May, when snow still covered much of the terrain and snowmobiles could still be used. Spring snow provides ideal tracking conditions, with animal trails remaining clearly visible over long distances. At the same time, the vast and sparsely populated wilderness and unpredictable weather conditions present significant challenges both for patrolling and for the preservation of evidence.

– According to information gathered during the investigation, bears were traced by snowmobile, then driven into the open and tracked by several individuals working in concert, with the aim of chasing them into a place where they could be killed. Suspects may also have used dogs to assist in the tracking, says Head of the Investigation, Lieutenant Frans Hietanen of the Lapland Border Guard.

The investigation has also revealed indications that the suspects may have planned their activities in advance, and that afterwards they attempted to cover their tracks, for instance by driving over the scene of the incident with snowmobiles or removing the carcasses from the site. The investigation also uncovered suspected aggravated nature conservation offences directed against large birds of prey. According to the investigation, there have been attempts to trap and shoot protected golden eagles in remote areas.

The suspected offences include both hunting without the required licences and non-compliance with the conditions of special permits. The investigation suggests that hunting may have commenced in situations where the bear was not at or in the immediate vicinity of a reindeer carcass, as required by the special permit, but had instead been located elsewhere in the terrain and driven out. The cases also share a common feature of the unlawful use of motor vehicles in hunting.

The criminal investigation has been completed, and the case has been referred to the Northern Finland Prosecution District for consideration of charges.

If you witness any activity of this nature, please report it to the authorities. For the police, please contact: Police online tip-off and for the Border Guard, Give the Border Guard a tip

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The visit of the German Federal President may cause brief traffic disruptions

Wed, 06 May 2026 10:24:00 GMT

The police will be responsible for the security and traffic arrangements related to the visit.

The visit may cause brief traffic disruptions in the centre of Helsinki. The police will direct traffic as needed.

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The Police and the Finnish Road Safety Council: controls reveal shortcomings in child safety on the road

Wed, 06 May 2026 07:45:00 GMT

Making sure that children are safe when travelling on the road ought to be an obvious consideration. Sadly, it is not always the case. Although the vast majority of guardians transport their children safely in appropriate child safety seats, the findings also give cause for concern.

At the end of April, the Police and the Finnish Road Safety Council inspected safety equipment in 17 locations near day care centres. Most guardians were transporting their children safely and appropriately. However, the inspection also revealed some serious violations and various shortcomings in the condition of safety devices and how they were installed.

“It is always surprising, even for experienced police officers, when we see children in a vehicle without the proper safety equipment. What could be more important than a child’s safety? That is why these checks are justified, and they will continue until everyone is in compliance," says Chief Superintendent Heikki Kallio of the National Police Board.

In a few cases, parents were also reminded to fasten their seat belts.

“Children learn by example, and this also applies when travelling. Adults set an important example, because children notice even the smallest things—both good and bad. That is why, when you are out in your car, you should behave the way you want your child to behave in the future," emphasises Tarja Korhonen, Contact Manager at the Finnish Road Safety Council.

Parents are responsible for their children's safety

The law requires children to be in a child safety seat when travelling by car until they are 135 cm tall. The Finnish Road Safety Council’s recommendations go beyond this.

The inspection revealed that too many children were travelling without safety equipment; some did not even have their seat belts fastened.
“The reasons given for not using safety equipment or for installing it incorrectly included being in a hurry or making only a short trip. Accidents can happen suddenly, and braking sharply can put a child’s life at risk if they are not strapped into a child safety seat. The safety seat must also be securely installed in the car according to the instructions. Children have the right to travel safely, and their safety must be ensured every day, even on short trips," Korhonen emphasises.

“For the most flagrant violations, the Police can file a child welfare report in addition to imposing a penalty fee. We do this when an officer encounters a child who needs care and attention or whose circumstances may endanger their development, necessitating an investigation into the possible need for child welfare services,” explains Kallio.

About half of children under the age of 4 were travelling in rear-facing car seats

The Finnish Road Safety Council recommends that children travel in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 4 years old. The controls revealed some very young children who were in forward-facing seats.

“Some parents turn their children's car seats around too early. It is safest for a child to travel in a rear-facing car seat in the back row. Children have heavy heads and sensitive necks, and a rear-facing car seat provides the best possible support in the event of a crash," Korhonen points out.

In brief

The law requires children to be in an appropriate safety seat when travelling by car until they are 135 cm tall. A child under the age of 3 must never be transported in a passenger car, van or lorry without safety equipment.

The Finnish Road Safety Council recommends that children use appropriate safety equipment until they are 150 cm tall and remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, but at least until they are four years old.

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Apply for a firearms permit in well before the summer and autumn hunting season

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:38:00 GMT

E-services require care on behalf of the applicant

The police recommend using electronic services, which are quick and easy. However, the National Police Board reminds applicants that the use of e-services has not changed the criteria for granting a permit and the attachments required for it. The required documents must also be attached to the application electronically.

“Electronic applications must be filled in carefully and all necessary attachments, such as an image of the hunting card and the game management fee paid, must be saved. In this case, the police department can make a firearms permit decision without the delay caused by requests for additional information,” says Senior Adviser Tarja Ranta at the National Police Board of Finland.

Electronic applications for firearms permits, which have now been in use for over two years, have been well received. Applications have been submitted in large numbers, but unfortunately there are still many shortcomings. When an application is incomplete, requesting additional information slows down the processing of the permits at police departments.

More information is available on the poliisi.fi website and the police national helpline.

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Police to ensure public safety during May Day celebrations in Helsinki

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:48:00 GMT

The Havis Amanda statue will be crowned with a student cap on 30 April at 18:00, near the Market Square.

The crowning of the Manta statue can also be easily watched on large screens at Market Square and in Esplanadi Park.

The May Day Eve celebrations attract a large crowd each year, so we recommend leaving your bicycles and e-scooters outside the event area.

Families with small children are invited to safely watch a livestream of the capping ceremony at the University of Helsinki's Think Corner (Tiedekulma), just a few blocks away from the main event.

The SAK May Day parade will affect traffic on 1 May from approximately 11:00. The parade route is Siltasaarenkatu – Unioninkatu – Pohjoisesplanadi – Mannerheimintie – Kansalaistori.

"The police will maintain a visible presence to ensure the smooth running of May Day celebrations and traditional events in Helsinki. A visible police presence helps to reduce public order disturbances and, above all, offences against life and health," says Chief Superintendent Hanna Kiiskinen.

For further information on traffic arrangements, please refer to the City of Helsinki's announcement: May Day Eve celebrated at Havis Amanda Square – tips for May Day in Helsinki | City of Helsinki.

Knives and fireworks have no place at May Day celebrations

May Day celebrations will take place this coming weekend, and young people will once again gather in parks to mark the occasion. The police will be out on May Day to ensure that festivities proceed safely.

“Parents and guardians should check their children’s backpacks before they go out and party. Bladed weapons and fireworks should not be brought to celebrations. In addition, minors should not have alcohol or other intoxicants in their possession. Unfortunately, setting off fireworks has become much more common in recent years, and they have led to serious incidents, including explosions in crowded areas," notes Chief Inspector Hanna Kiiskinen, head of the Helsinki Police Department’s enforcement unit.

On May Day Eve last year, the police began clearing Kaivopuisto Park shortly after 10 pm, as the number of disturbances in the park began to rise, and there were many intoxicated young people in the area. Everyone who is out celebrating should be aware that the park will be cleared before dark again this year for reasons of public order and safety.

On May Day lots of people will be out and about — not just police officers, but other responsible adults as well.

"The main objective of youth work during the festivities is to ensure that there are safe and responsible adults on the streets to interact with young people, be present, and offer help when needed," says Mikko Vatka, Director of Youth Affairs for the City of Helsinki.

The police have no specific indications that young people are carrying knives more often than before. Instead, there is a sense that if a person is carrying a knife, their threshold for using it could be very low.

“If young people get into a fight and one of them happens to have a knife with them, they might use it without giving the consequences a second thought. The police consider this a very worrying trend. Bladed weapons should absolutely be left at home, so that nothing irreversible can come to pass,” Kiiskinen emphasises.

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The visit of the Estonian presidential couple will cause disruptions to traffic in Helsinki

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:11:00 GMT

The police are responsible for the safety and security of the events and the related traffic arrangements.

President Stubb and Mrs Innes-Stubb will receive the Estonian presidential couple at an official welcome ceremony on Tuesday 28 April in front of the Presidential Palace in Helsinki. The public will be able to follow the ceremony from the Market Square at around 10.00.

Traffic in front of the Presidential Palace will be stopped during the ceremony. The disruption will last about one hour, starting at around 09:30.

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Police call-out volumes continue to rise — police concerned about the increasing violence of youth crime

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The number of crimes reported to the Helsinki Police and emergency call-outs has continued to rise. Emergency call-outs have increased by about five percent compared to the same period last year, and the number of criminal offenses by about seven percent. Approximately seven percent more paid permits have been issued during the first half of this year than during the same period last year. Despite the increase in the number of assignments, the Helsinki Police Department has been able to streamline criminal investigations. In Helsinki, police arrive at category A assignments in an average of 4.9 minutes, while the target time is five minutes.

The cycle of crime among children and youth must be broken

In recent months, several robberies, assaults and other suspected violent offences committed by young people have made the news. The Helsinki Police Department is concerned about the growing seriousness of the crimes perpetrated by young people and the increasingly brutal nature of the violence.

“Although most young people are still doing well, a small group has fallen into a cycle of serious crime. Particularly among 15- to 17-year-olds, it is evident that young people are often on the run from home when they commit crimes. The police have repeatedly expressed concern that the risk of runaway youths turning to crime or becoming victims of crime is significantly high,” says Detective Chief Superintendent Jari Illukka.

In early April, a car shelter and eight cars were set on fire by a block of flats in Roihuvuori. Three minors with prior criminal records are suspected of aggravated criminal damage.
“It is essential to break the cycle of crime among children and young people at the earliest possible stage, so that they do not end up committing more serious crimes and eventually becoming involved in organised crime,” Illukka emphasises.

The police prioritise cases in which a minor is either the suspect or the victim. The police aim to identify patterns of criminal behaviour among young people and intervene with effective criminal procedures and, if necessary, coercive measures.

The police have very limited means of intervention when crimes are committed by under-15s

Every year, the police receive a large number of reports of crimes in which all the suspects are under the age of 15. Every report filed with the police undergoes a preliminary investigation, and the police determine which pre-trial investigation measures are necessary. The police also investigate crimes committed by suspects under the age of 15 and file child welfare notifications when children are suspected of criminal offences.

“A pre-trial investigation is conducted when necessary in these cases. For example, it may be necessary to recover stolen property, ensure that the victim of a crime has the right to compensation, or determine the need for child welfare measures for the suspect or other matters related to the suspect’s interests. If even one of the suspects is aged 15 or more, a pre-trial investigation is conducted in the normal way," says Detective Chief Inspector Marja Väätti, who heads the Ankkuri team at the Helsinki Police Department.

The police cannot use coercive measures that restrict the liberty of anyone under the age of 15. A person under the age of 15 can only be obligated to be present during a pre-trial investigation for up to 24 hours for very weighty reasons.

"In the police's view, it would be beneficial to be able to hold suspects under the age of 15 in custody for longer periods when serious crimes are suspected," says Väätti.

At the Helsinki Police Department, the multi-disciplinary Ankkuri team oversees all criminal cases involving people under the age of 15. Ankkuri is primarily a tool for early intervention intended to address emerging problems at an early stage and prevent them from escalating. Participation in Ankkuri activities is voluntary.

“However, we have had cases involving children whom we are unable to get through to, for some reason. The police may have filed several child welfare notifications, but the child cannot break out of the cycle of crime. The police have very limited means of intervention when crimes are committed by under-15s. The police keep in active contact with the child welfare services to ensure they remain aware of the latest developments in the child's situation," Väätti notes.

Police maintain a visible presence at places where young people gather

May Day celebrations will take place this coming weekend, and young people will once again gather in parks to mark the occasion. The police will be out and about on May Day and during the upcoming school graduation ceremonies to ensure that festivities proceed safely.

On May Day and school graduation ceremonies, lots of people will be out and about — not just police officers, but other responsible adults as well.

Police visits to schools have become routine

The police adopted a new nationwide school policing model at the beginning of 2025. School policing has become an established part of the daily routine for the Helsinki Police Department’s patrols engaged in emergency response and enforcement operations, and police officers are now a common sight in school playgrounds. Patrols have been assigned to specific schools, which they visit regularly during their shifts to chat with pupils during break times.

“We have a very effective partnership with schools. The main message regarding schools is that they are safe and that the vast majority of young people are thriving. However, there are also cases where police assistance is needed. Over the course of the school year, the school police were contacted about 500 times. Most incidents involved disruptive behaviour of some kind, bullying or even physical violence. One concern that schools are raising is the sale of drugs," Kiiskinen notes.

Alarming rise in the number of young people committing narcotics offences
The profiles of the individuals suspected of drug offences reveal a worrying increase in the number of underage suspects.

"The young people suspected of narcotics offences have direct or indirect links to street gangs, which in turn have even stronger links to international organised crime," says Senior Detective Superintendent Kimmo Sainio.

The police are especially concerned about Crime as a Service, a phenomenon that has now arrived in Finland, where young people are enticed into committing crimes, sometimes serious crimes, for fairly meagre compensation. These activities are often orchestrated from abroad, and the main perpetrators use threats and blackmail to ensure the young person carries out the crime they have been ordered to commit.

“The exploitation of minors and vulnerable young people for criminal purposes is a despicable and highly concerning practice,” Sainio says.

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Event organisers should remember to notify the police in good time

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:54:00 GMT

When do the police need to be notified of an event?

Under the Assembly Act (530/1999), the police must be notified of a public event five days in advance at the latest. Different and significantly longer time limits apply with regard to other authorities. Organisers must always anticipate and contact the police even months before the event.

The local police will assess whether the event organiser's case can be processed as a notification. Some notifications are subject to a decision, which includes instructions and rules on the safety of the event that are binding on the organiser. These may involve, for example, obligations on the organiser to be prepared to arrange security stewards at the event, the time the event ends, the serving of alcohol, the required readiness for first aid, to minimise inconvenience to third parties, or to make separate traffic arrangements.

What kinds of events need to be notified to the police?

As local conditions vary greatly across the country, it is hard to define exactly those events that need no notification at all. This being the case, it is always a good idea to contact the local police, for example by email or phone, in the area where the event is to take place in good time to find out the local position.

“The bigger the event, the earlier it pays to contact the police. This avoids last-minute changes in arrangements due to regulatory requirements, and also means that there are no annoying last-minute surprises,” says Chief of Licence Administration Hanna Piipponen from the National Police Board.
As a rule, public events must be notified in writing to the local police of the area where the event is to take place. Instructions on how to make the notification and the contact information of the local police can be found on the police.fi website at poliisi.fi/en/public-events

Notification should be made at least for the following events:

major events (hundreds of participants)
outdoor events in public places (especially traffic routes)
events for special groups
events ending late (after 10pm)
events at which security stewards or traffic management personnel are required
events at which alcohol is served
events requiring emergency rescue planning (more than 200 participants)
events that are expected to evoke a strong response (involving a risk of disturbance).

The police oversee to ensure events are safe and that the instructions have been followed

An event organiser has a great responsibility for their event and ensures that order and safety are maintained during the event.
The police oversee the event areas during an event. Where shortcomings are detected in the arrangements, steps are taken to rectify them immediately. The most robust option available by law could result in the police suspending an event.
“To avoid such situations, it makes sense to approach the authorities well before the planned date of the event,” says Hanna Piipponen.

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Police advice to prevent online scams: an open discussion

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:55:00 GMT

In 2025, 10,272 cases of online fraud resulting in financial losses of approximately €88 million were reported to the Finnish police.

Online scams can be effectively prevented when people remain alert and share information about them.

“It’s important to openly discuss online scams. Being scammed is nothing to be ashamed of and can happen to anyone. Many Finns have avoided financial loss because they recognised the scam based on warnings they had heard earlier,” says Detective Chief Inspector Juha Leinonen.

The police and partner authorities actively warn the public about scams through various channels.

“Even though scams have been in the news for years and the topic keeps cropping up in headlines, there is still a need for public awareness campaigns. Public awareness is key to preventing crime,” Leinonen says.

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Changing substance culture and its effects on traffic control - Police experts reflect

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:36:00 GMT

Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Pasi Rissanen and Analyst Mika Sutela, experts from the National Police Board, reflect on the change in Finnish substance culture and its effects on police traffic control in their blog.

In Finland, there is a zero-tolerance policy for narcotics in traffic, which contributes to road safety. At the same time, there is a societal debate about setting limit values for narcotics, as has already been done for alcohol.

– Perhaps we should discuss more about whether any substances belong in traffic, rather than whether we should set some limit values for narcotics.

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Police warn thousands of DDoS service users – a denial of service attack is a crime

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:45:00 GMT

Operation PowerOFF is an international law enforcement operation launched to seize and shut down websites offering DDoS-for-hire services, to take criminal investigative measures against the administrators and users of these services, and to take preventive action. The international joint operation involves law enforcement agencies from 21 countries.

Booters and stressers, available on the net, are load testing services used for carrying out denial of service attacks. The authorities can prevent criminal activity and harm caused to victims by taking down illegal services enabling such criminal activities. The most recent action taken during the operation in April 2026 involved seizing 53 illegal booter and stresser services. The services previously seized during the operation had over three million registered users. The law enforcement agencies have opened criminal investigations against these persons and taken coordinated preventive action across the world.

Police action targets thousands of users from Finland

As part of the operation’s preventive action, the participating law enforcement agencies approach the users of the disabled services by sending a targeted warning letter or e-mail to them. The National Bureau of Investigation will send an e-mail to those who used the services from Finland between 2013-2024. At the previous stage of the operation in 2024, the National Bureau of Investigation sent a targeted warning message to hundreds of users. This time, a warning message will be sent to thousands of users in Finland.

– The large number of users shows that the use of services offered by crime-as-a-service providers is also alarmingly common in Finland. The aim of targeted warning messages is to prevent criminal activity by reminding the website users of the illegality and possible consequences of using DDoS services, says Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Rauhamaa of the National Bureau of Investigation.

In the warning message, the person is informed that they have registered with a website offering illegal services and that the police have seized this website. The user is warned of the illegality of the site and urged to stop using the service.

A denial of service attack is a crime

It is alarmingly easy and common to commit cybercrime using crime-as-a-service providers. With DDos services, even unexperienced users with no significant technical skills can carry out denial of service attacks by pressing a few keys. However, some users may have advanced technical skills and operate on a large scale.

The use of booter services is especially common among young people. Those who carry out denial of service attacks might do so, particularly at first, out of curiosity or a desire to experiment, or to bully someone. Denial of service attacks may also be motivated by a financial benefit and carried out, for example, to extort money from the target, or they may be ideologically motivated, such as hacktivist attacks. Denial of service attacks can cause serious harm and damage, the extent of which can be difficult or even impossible to predict.

Cyberattacks cause harm and damage to both individuals and organisations. Denial of service attacks enable, for example, disruption of online banking or health services, thus preventing the customers from using the services. To restore their services, the compromised organisations might have to take extensive measures, which might cause immense costs. At worst, denial of service attacks can impact critical infrastructure, such as the operation of emergency response centres.

– The police take cybercrime seriously. Even an attack carried out with the intention of bullying someone can have serious and long-lasting consequences that might be difficult for the attacker to foresee. A denial of service attack carried out with an automated tool is also a crime, reminds Senior Detective Superintendent Rauhamaa.

Prevention has a major role to play in combating cybercrime

Preventive and criminal investigative measures are important tools for the authorities combating cybercrime. Besides dismantling criminal tools available on open networks, Operation PowerOFF focuses on actively preventing any future attacks. Prevention campaigns run in Finland and other countries have targeted, among others, young people who search illegal DDoS tools in browsers or watch tutorials on the subject on video service platforms. The aim is to raise young people’s awareness of the fact that booter services offering denial of service attacks are illegal, as well as to prevent criminal activity.

Law enforcement authorities have also made requests to search engine servers to delete websites providing criminal services from search engine results. During a joint action day, over a hundred websites offering illegal DDoS services were deleted from search engine results.

No action is required from those who receive a warning message from the police. Those who have received an e-mail from the police may, if they wish, contact the National Bureau of Investigation at poweroff.krp@poliisi.fi

News updated on April 20, 2026 at 9:45: the email address has been corrected.

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Check the validity of your passport or identification card for your travel in the summer

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:21:00 GMT

“If necessary, the renewal of a passport or identity card can be done easily, as there are plenty of appointments available in most parts of Finland. If the renewal of your travel document has been left to the last minute, it is also possible to visit many police stations without an advance appointment,” says Senior Adviser Juhani Ruutu.

It is always best to start the renewal of a passport or identity card by using the online service. When submitting an online application, the system will tell you whether you need an identification appointment at a police station. At the same time, it is easy to book an appointment at the police station of your choice. If you make an application for a passport or identity card online, it is also slightly cheaper than a travel document for which an application is made at a police station.

A ten-year passport is not yet available

Some clients are waiting for the maximum validity period of the Finnish passport to extend to ten years. However, you should not wait to renew your passport, because it will take time to make the required changes to legislation and information systems. At the moment, the exact date of the introduction of the ten-year passport and identity card is not yet known.

How to renew your passport or identification card

Have a passport photograph taken of you. The photograph attached to the passport or identity card application must be no more than six months old.
Start making an application for a new travel document at poliisi.fi
The system will direct you to book an appointment at a police station, if this is necessary. Make sure to cancel your appointment if you cannot make it.
Retrieve your completed document when you receive the pick-up notification.

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Criminal investigation into unmanned aerial vehicle in Iitti continues

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:01:00 GMT

The objective of the investigations is to establish, among others, whether the unmanned aircraft found in Iitti entered the Finnish territory at the same time as the previously found aircraft. The authorities aim to clarify the matter as the criminal investigation progresses.

– We can say at this point that it is the same kind of aircraft as those found earlier. On the basis of the information that we have received during the criminal investigation, all the four aircraft that have been found are a different kind from the type mentioned in public. They are significantly smaller than what has been described in public, says Detective Superintendent Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

– The aircraft that have been found are smaller than what has been reported in public, and it is suspected that they are of Ukrainian origin. It should be highlighted, however, that forensic investigations are still underway, and we are not going to draw any conclusions yet, adds Lieutenant Jyri Siitari of the Border Guard’s Gulf of Finland Coast Guard.

As the authorities suspected that all the aerial vehicles were carrying explosives, they rendered them safe.

All the debris of aircraft found in Iitti has been submitted for forensic examination. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Border Guard continue to investigate the incidents.

The deviation of the unmanned aerial vehicles is due to Ukraine's countermeasures in response to Russia's aggression in the war. The deviation of the is possibly due to GNSS interference.

The police still remind people that if they see any unmanned aircraft or debris of aircraft on the ground, they must not touch or approach that but report their sightings to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112.

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Summer affects the opening hours of Western Uusimaa Police Department

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:10:00 GMT

Police Service hours in the summer of 2026

Police services include receiving crime reports and handling lost property. The summer service hours will be in effect from June 1 to August 31:

Espoo Main Police Station: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:15 PM
Lohja Police Station: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00–11:30 AM and 12:30–4:15 PM
Kirkkonummi Police Station: Monday and Thursday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–4:00 PM
Raasepori Police Station: Tuesday and Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–4:15 PM

If you are summoned for an interrogation, you must arrive at the time indicated in the summons, even outside the aforementioned service hours.

License Service hours in the summer of 2026

License Services include matters related to ID cards, passports, private security sector licenses, and firearm applications. Other matters, such as notifications of public events, raffle permits, and small-scale fundraising notices, are also handled during the summer. The summer License Service hours are valid from June 1 to August 31.

Espoo Main Police Station: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:15 PM
Lohja Police Station: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:15 PM
Kirkkonummi Police Station: License Services are closed from June 1 to August 31
Raasepori Police Station: License Services are closed July 6–31. Outside this period, Licence Services are open on Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:15 PM

Firearm Inspection Service (by appointment only) is available during the summer:

Espoo Main Police Station: Tuesdays, 9:00–11:00 AM and 12:00–4:00 PM
Lohja Police Station: Every other Wednesday (odd weeks), 9:00 AM–11:00 AM and 12:00–4:00 PM
Raasepori Police Station: Firearm Inspection is closed July 6–31. Outside this period, Firearm Inspection is open every other Wednesday (even weeks), 9:00–11 AM and 12:00–4:00 PM

Start your application online

Submitting your application online is a good way to start the process. If a personal visit is required for identification, it’s advisable to book an appointment in advance. Summer only brings changes to the opening hours of Kirkkonummi and Raasepori Police Stations. The customer service at Espoo Main Police Station and Lohja Police Station resumes with regular opening hours.

Remember that you can visit any police station for license matters or filing a crime report, regardless of your place of residence. ID cards and passports are delivered within the standard delivery time of eight working days after processing begins.

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Criminal investigations into unmanned aerial vehicles continue

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Border Guard have continued to investigate the unmanned aerial vehicles which entered Finland and fell on the ground on 29 March 2026, and the unmanned aircraft found on 31 March 2026. The authorities have carried out forensic investigations and gathered background information to investigate the incidents. The investigations continue at Easter. It is suspected that the unmanned aircraft under investigation are of Ukrainian origin.

The Southeastern Finland Police Department continues to verify the sightings of unmanned aircraft. The Border Guard investigates the incidents as territorial violations.

- We have continued the investigation of territorial violations by examining the extensive criminal investigation material. Cooperation between the authorities has been excellent in the case, says Senior Lieutenant Jyri Siitari of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard, who heads the investigations into the territorial violations.

The offences investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation are grossly negligent endangerment and negligent endangerment. The Finnish Defence Forces have provided assistance in the investigations.

- Based on information gathered during the investigations, we cannot at this point completely exclude the possibility that, in addition to the unmanned aerial vehicles already found, other unmanned aircraft might have also ended up on the ground during the previous incidents, says Deputy Director of National Bureau of Investigation Timo Kilpeläinen.

Because of the Ukrainian response to the Russian war of aggression, it is possible that such aircraft might also be strayed into Finnish territory in future, especially in the area of Kymenlaakso and South Karelia.

The police remind people that if they see any debris of aircraft on the ground, they must under no circumstances approach or touch the target but move at a safe distance and report the sighting to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112. Do not share your location or any pictures of the aircraft, or its parts, on social media.

The police recommend that people read the following instructions of the Ministry of the Interior: Authorities’ instructions for when you see a drone - Ministry of the Interior

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North Karelia Border Guard Launches Preliminary Investigation into Suspected Territorial Violation by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle at Lake Pyhäjärvi, Parikkala

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:25:00 GMT

Based on the information currently available to the investigation, it is believed that the aerial vehicle entered Finnish airspace between 30th and 31st March 2026. Efforts to clarify the exact time and location of the event are ongoing as part of the preliminary investigation.

At this stage, it appears that the UAV originates from Ukraine and may be connected to the same phenomenon that has been observed in Finland in recent times. Further investigation into these aspects will continue as part of the inquiry.

The National Bureau of Investigation has commenced a preliminary investigation into the unmanned aerial vehicle found on the ice of Lake Pyhäjärvi, Parikkala. The case is currently being investigated under the criminal charge of negligent endangerment.

– The case is not being investigated as a grossly negligent endangerment, unlike the two other cases involving the fall of aerial vehicles, as there is no indication that the crash site posed a significant risk to a large number of people. The charge could change during the course of the preliminary investigation, stated Detective Chief Superintendent Risto Lohi from the National Bureau of Investigation.

At this point in the investigation, it is evident that the unmanned aerial vehicles that have fallen in Finland originated from Ukraine. The National Bureau of Investigation and the North Karelia Border Guard are working closely together on this matter.

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Investigation Into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles That Fell to the Ground Progresses

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

With regard to the unmanned aerial vehicle that fell in Luumäki, South Karelia, earlier, authorities have discovered parts of the vehicle during a site examination on land and ice. These parts are now undergoing technical examination. No findings have been made in the investigations of the waterbed. The site examination in the area will continue.

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Border Guard have established a joint investigation team to resolve the matter.

The Finnish Border Guard continues its investigation into the territorial violation. The investigation is expected to take several weeks. Among other things, the investigation seeks to clarify the route of the unmanned aerial vehicles and the sequence of events that led to their arrival in Finnish territory.

In Savisto, Kouvola, authorities completed the investigation operations yesterday afternoon, and the area’s cordon was lifted at approximately 15:30. The cordons around Luumäki for vehicular traffic were also removed yesterday around 18:00. Citizens are now free to move about in both Savisto and Luumäki.

The police remind the public that if anyone comes across parts of devices potentially related to these events in the field, under no circumstances should they approach or touch the objects. Any such findings should be reported to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112.

In relation to the aerial vehicle found today, 31st March 2026, at Lake Pyhäjärvi in Parikkala, the National Bureau of Investigation is providing support to the authorities on-site and will assess separately the need for any potential preliminary investigation.

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Operation in Response to UAV incidents in South-East Finland Continues

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Investigations into the incidents involving the UAVs that came down in south-east Finland are continuing, with the relevant authorities working in close collaboration. The National Bureau of Investigation continues the criminal investigation, while South-East Finland Police Department maintains cordons around the landing sites of the two UAVs that came down north of Kouvola and in Luumäki on Sunday. Finnish Defence Forces executive assistance detachments have been supporting the police operation.

All but two of the persons evacuated from the area were able to return to their homes for the night, according to Detective Superintendent Jukka Lankinen of South-East Finland Police Department.

The UAV that came down north of Kouvola was found, in a preliminary assessment by the authorities, to have an unexploded warhead attached, as a result of which it was destroyed in a controlled explosion at 23:26 yesterday evening. The explosion heard in the area during the night was the result of the controlled explosion carried out by the authorities to render the unexploded warhead safe.

In Luumäki, police and the Border Guard have been examining the site and its surroundings over the past two days. The authorities are investigating whether the UAV had exploded on impact.

Debris from the UAV has been found scattered across the area around the landing site in Luumäki, and the search for further debris is continuing today as a joint operation by the authorities. Police have also been investigating a reported UAV sighting in Pyhtää, Kymenlaakso, but enquiries have established that the sighting in all likelihood relates to the incidents in Kouvola and Luumäki.

— The criminal investigation is progressing as the landing scenes are made safe for work and as UAV parts are recovered and examined. At the same time, police are conducting tactical investigations, including the interviewing of witnesses. As the investigation progresses, the origin of the devices will also be established, says Detective Chief Superintendent Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The National Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case as grossly negligent endangerment. The Finnish Border Guard is responsible for the investigation into the territorial violation. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Border Guard have agreed to establish a joint investigation team to investigate the case.

— Finnish Border Guard continues to investigate the territorial violation. For example, searches are being conducted in the lakes near the landing sites to locate further parts of the UAVs, says Deputy Commander Ilja Iljin of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District.

The police wish to emphasise that should members of the public find any debris or other objects in the terrain that may be connected to Sunday's incidents, these must under no circumstances be approached or touched. Any such findings should be reported to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112.

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Police Investigate the Falling of Flying Devices in Southeast Finland

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:36:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) has opened a preliminary investigation into the incidents, initially classifying them as aggravated endangerment of the public. The Border Guard is handling a parallel investigation into a possible territorial violation. Both the Defence Forces and the Border Guard are supporting the police with their specialized capabilities.

– The investigation is still in its early stages. At this point, we are conducting technical examinations as far as possible. While the case is currently being treated as aggravated endangerment of the public, the classification may change as the investigation progresses, said Chief Inspector Olli Töyräs, lead investigator at KRP.

– Our main priority is to determine the origin of the flying devices and why they ended up in Finnish territory. We are working closely with the Border Guard and international partners to get a full understanding of the situation, added Robin Lardot, head of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The incidents came to light on Sunday, 29 March, when police received a report at 10:04 a.m. of a flying device that had fallen in the terrain north of Kouvola in Kymenlaakso. Later, at 12:27 p.m., a second device was reported to have fallen in Luumäki, South Karelia.

The Southeast Finland Police Department has cordoned off the affected areas and carried out necessary evacuations. So far, no injuries or significant property damage have been reported. Police cordons remain in place at the sites.

– Fortunately, the sites are sparsely populated. Technical investigations cannot yet be conducted because safety at the scene must be ensured first, said Deputy Police Chief Pekka Koistinen, who is leading the operation.

Authorities also stress that any debris from the devices found in the terrain should not be touched and must be reported immediately to the police.

– The cooperation between authorities has been excellent. Finland is prepared nationwide for incidents of this kind, said Police Chief Ari Karvonen of the Southeast Finland Police Department.

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Cybercrime is increasingly a part of young people's everyday lives - The Finnish police publishes a guide to support discussing cyber topics

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:30:00 GMT

The study commissioned by the Finnish police and conducted by Taloustutkimus mapped the behavior of young people online, their attitudes towards operating in the online environment, and their experiences and participation in cyber-dependent crimes, such as data breach, denial-of-service-attacks or distributing malware.

The study shows, that encountering harmful activity and being lured into criminal activities are everyday occurrences for young people. Approximately half of the young people responding to the survey disclose that they have encountered harmful or suspicious activities online within the 12-month review period. In terms of the Finnish population, an estimated 90.000 youngsters have been the target of a data breach.

One in four young people have encountered requests to participate in activities online, that the young person suspected to be harmful or criminal, or that were later revealed to be criminal.

The nationally representative, population-based study mapped online behavior of 15 to 25-year-olds living in Finland between August 2024 and August 2025. 1065 young people responded to the online survey. This is the first Finnish study examining young people's attitudes towards and participation in cybercriminal activities.

New guide to help facilitate conversations between young people and adults

The Finnish police is publishing a guide for guardians and professionals, such as teachers and youth workers. The guide aims to help educators identify youth cybercrime as a phenomenon and to discuss the topic with youngsters.

− The guide was created in response to requests from stakeholders for an easy-to-use resource on how to prevent cybercrime among young people. Additionally, the goal is to support learning responsible online behavior with the youngster, says project lead Viivi Lehtinen from the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation.

Early intervention requires identifying the phenomenon

Cybercrime committed by young people typically does not start off as a serious crime, but they are often motivated by things such as willingness to experiment, curiosity, mischief or wanting to test their skills. A single cyber-criminal act, however, can have severe consequences. It can also be challenging for a young person to assess the real consequences of the cybercrime.

Cyberattacks targeting school environments, for example, are common amongst young people, and their acts typically mainly motivated by mischief. However, there are several cases known to the police, where a cyberattack that the young person intended to target a school as a form of mischief also disrupted the operation of other municipal systems. The attacks caused severe disruption to the municipality's residents as well as significant financial damage.

Cybercrime can dismantle the livelihood of a small business owner or lead to dissemination of sensitive information of a private person, causing severe and long-lasting consequences to the victim.

The majority of young people do not commit crimes. It is, however, important to understand cybercrime as a phenomenon to be able to intervene in the young person's activities on time. Identifying the phenomenon and early intervention play a key role in combatting cybercrime.

− Cybercrime is not just a technical issue, but a broader societal phenomenon that extensively impacts young people, and that needs to be talked about, highlights Detective Chief Inspector Jussi Larvanto from the National Bureau of Investigation.

Including digital lives into everyday conversations

The digital environment is an integral part of young people's everyday lives. The online environment offers many opportunities and cyber skills will only become more essential as time goes on. Active use of online platforms, however, also exposes young people to various threats and criminal activity. Furthermore, tools and instructions necessary to commit crimes are increasingly available online, and committing a cybercrime does not necessarily require significant technical skill.

According to the study, most young people want to act legally online. However, their understanding of the rules of the web and the boundary between legal and illegal activities does not always develop as quickly as their technical skills, and young people may not recognize what kind of activities online are against the law.

− The online world lacks the signposting to clarify the difference between legal and illegal. Learning responsible online behavior also requires interest and curiosity from adults, and having open conversations with young people, reminds Larvanto.

The Finnish police recommends parents include navigating the digital environment in everyday conversations with the young person. If discussing the cyber environment is a normal part of their everyday life, it also easier for young people to talk about the situations they face online. In addition to learning cyber security skills with the youngster, it is good to together discuss how to act responsibly and legally online.

A guide from the police to support discussing cyber topics

Based on police experience, the importance of cyber topics is recognized, but the subject is often perceived as difficult. If guardians are unfamiliar with the young person's technical interests, it may also feel challenging to discuss the topic. Young people do not actively share their experiences online with adults either. According to the police study, only 14 per cent of young people had told a guardian or another trusted adult about the harmful or suspicious activity they had encountered.

Young people online -guide contains information about youth cybercrime, legislation on cybercrime in Finland, support for discussing cyber issues, as well as advice on how to deal with various problems online. The guide also provides tips on useful materials to help those interested in the subject to explore the cyber world in more depth, as well as examples of legal opportunities in cyber. The guide was created as a part of the National Bureau of Investigation's youth cybercrime prevention action plan, partially funded by the European Union. Youngsters interested in cyber were involved in creating the guide.

The Finnish police will approach schools nationwide to share information about the phenomenon and the guide with guardians and teachers.

You can read the guide here.

This guide is published as a part of the cyber offender prevention operations of the National Bureau of Investigation. Learn more about the youth cybercrime prevention action plan from the Finnish Police website.

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Police investigating an attempted murder at Maatulli Comprehensive School

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:55:00 GMT

The authorities arrived at the school within about six minutes. By the time the police arrived, the 15-year-old suspect had left the scene. The 14-year-old victim was given first aid and taken to the hospital. The victim sustained serious injuries but is currently in a stable condition.

The suspect was apprehended about an hour after the emergency call was made. The arrest proceeded without difficulty. No other individuals have been arrested at this time.

According to initial reports, the incident stemmed from a confrontation between the perpetrator and the victim.

Police investigations have revealed that the confrontation began when one pupil punched another. After that, a third pupil got involved and was stabbed by the pupil who had been punched. The pupils in question had been embroiled in a dispute over the preceding week, which had also involved physical violence. The pre-trial investigation will examine the events of the preceding week and the connection between the people involved and today's incident.

Pupils and staff took shelter in classrooms during the incident. The school’s pupils were held in their classrooms until about 11 am while the police carried out investigations.

The school day then ended early. The City of Helsinki provided on-site crisis support to the pupils.

The investigation will proceed with the questioning of the suspect and other investigative measures. As part of the pre-trial investigation, the police are examining the course of events, as well as any prior incidents that may be related to the offence. The incident is being treated as a case of attempted murder and assault. The 15-year-old who was apprehended is suspected of attempted murder, and the pupil who was fighting with the 15-year-old is suspected of assault.

The police will provide updates on the case as the investigation progresses, if necessary.

This incident may give rise to thoughts and concerns. The City of Helsinki’s crisis emergency service is available to Helsinki residents 24 hours a day on 09 310 44222. Other organisations can also provide help; their contact information can be found at: Support for Helsinki residents at a time of crisis | City of Helsinki

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JEF Leaders' Summit in Helsinki – Temporary Traffic Disruptions Expected

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:38:00 GMT

The police are responsible for the security and traffic arrangements in connection with the summit.

The summit and the movement of guests may cause temporary traffic closures and special traffic arrangements in Helsinki city centre. The police will direct traffic as necessary.

A temporary restricted airspace has been established over Helsinki city centre. The restriction is in force on Wednesday, 25 March from 16:00 to 23:00, and on Thursday, 26 March from 08:00 to 23:00.

The restriction applies to both manned and unmanned aviation, including drones. The restricted airspace has been established to ensure the safety of the summit and of official aviation operations. The restriction does not apply to authorities whose statutory duties require them to operate within the area.

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Violence incident at Maatulli School

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:47:00 GMT

At 11.07 a.m. This incident may give you pause for thought. The City of Helsinki’s crisis hotline offers support to Helsinki residents 24 hours a day at 09 310 44222.

Help is also available from other organizations, whose contact information can be found on this website: Support for Helsinki residents at a time of crisis | City of Helsinki

At 10.42 a.m. According to police reports, the incident involved a dispute between two middle school students, and no other students or staff members were targeted.

The investigation still ongoing at the scene. Crisis counseling is being provided to students at Maatulli School in connection with the incident. The school is informing students’ guardians about what happened and how the school day will continue.

At 10.22 a.m. The victim of the crime is also a minor. The victim received first aid at the scene and has been taken for further treatment. The police have apprehended the suspect. The apprehension went smoothly.

At 10.01 a.m. Police has inspected the school premises and confirmed that everyone at the school and daycare center is safe. Staff and authorities are handling further measures on site. The area has been cordoned off for the time being.

The suspect is a minor and is believed to have left the school grounds. There is no longer any danger to those at the school.

At 9.47 a.m. An incident involving a violent crime is underway at Maatulli School. Police are on the school premises investigating the events. According to current information, the crime targeted one person.

We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

This news is no longer being updated.

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Police investigating Malminkartano homicide as murder

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:24:00 GMT

The scene of the crime is Luutnantintie, near Malminkartano railway station. The victim, a man born in the 1940s, died as a result of the stabbing.

"The police are investigating the act as murder. The pre-trial investigation has revealed that the act was carried out in a particularly brutal and cruel manner. In addition to violence committed with an edged weapon, significant further violence was directed at the victim. Based on current information, the victim and the suspect were not previously known to each other," says the investigator in charge, Detective Chief Inspector Jari Korkalainen.

The suspect, a man born in the 1990s, is currently detained. The police will be applying for a detention order.

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Police suspect homicide in Malminkartano in Helsinki

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:23:00 GMT

The victim was a man born in the 1940s. He died at the scene despite resuscitation attempts.

Police apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident. The suspect is a man born in the 1990s. The apprehension took place without resistance.

Police are investigating the matter as manslaughter. The charges may change as the investigation progresses.

Police will provide further information on the incident tomorrow.

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New guidelines by the National Police Board help gambling operators to take into account the obligations related to the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing in their operations

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:06:00 GMT

The Finnish Act on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing obliges gambling operators to take active measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. Failure to comply with or violate the obligations of the Act on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing may result in sanctions, such as administrative sanctions, revocation of the licence or criminal prosecution.

“The Finnish gambling industry is undergoing a transformation. It is hoped that the new guidelines will draw the attention of gambling operators entering the Finnish market to the obligations prescribed in the Act on Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. As an example, operators are required to carry out a risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing, they are obliged to know their customers and they are obliged to report suspicious transactions. The guidelines highlight the obligations under the law and the measures to fulfil the obligations,” says Senior Adviser Krista Medjeral of the National Police Board.

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Police Band meets more than 30,000 kids and teens every year

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:04:00 GMT

The Helsinki Police Department celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. The police will be involved in several events around the city to celebrate the anniversary. This Friday, the Helsinki Police Department and the children’s ensemble of the Helsinki Police Band, Nallekopla (‘teddy bear gang’), will participate in an Eid al-Fitr event at the Itis shopping centre. The event is for the whole family and has free admission.

Nallekopla will entertain visitors from 14.00 to 14.30 and from 15.00 to 15.30, and the friendly police info desk will be open from 14.00 to 17.00. The police lion will also make an appearance between musical performances.

“Events like these are important opportunities for us to meet with children and families and build trust in the police. It is essential for children to see at an early age that in Finland the police are trustworthy and easy to approach. You can always go to the police for help," says Chief Inspector Hanna Kiiskinen.

The Helsinki Police Band has been an integral part of the Police Department since 1947. In addition to its traditional concerts, the Police Band engages in important educational work among kids and teens in various formations. Positive interactions through music help foster trust in the police in childhood. This forms part of the preventive police work of the Helsinki Police Department.

School concerts given by the Helsinki Police Band have a combined audience of more than 30,000 kids and teens every year, from daycare to middle school. The goal with these is to engage children and adolescents in their day-to-day environment, to offer them musical experiences and to reinforce the image of the police as safe and approachable authority figures.

Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. In Finland this year, it falls on 19–20 March.

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Annual report of the police for 2025 is ready

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:29:00 GMT

The emphasis in 2025 was on criminal investigations, especially on the processing of large volumes of cases. Crimes committed by children and young people and the prevention of violent crime have been the focus of special attention, and this work will continue during 2026. Intensified monitoring of organised crime, street gangs and related international phenomena continued and preventive measures were targeted based on knowledge gathered. As a result of the intensification measures, the number of persons removed from Finland by the police increased by about 34 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year.

According to the citizens’ assessment, the police are trusted and have a good reputation. Based on the results of the Trust & Reputation survey, the interaction by the police is perceived as good, and people wish to hear the views of the police organisation.

The number of assignments and responsibilities have increased

The number of police assignments related to surveillance and emergency response operations has increased significantly. At the same time as the numbers have increased, the assignments have become more demanding and the behaviour of the customers of the police has become more aggressive. This daily reality faced by the police has a significant impact on issues such as making preparations for police operations and the planning of surveillance.

The surveillance and disturbance indices constitute the key indicators of the effectiveness of surveillance operations. Their objective is to indicate that increased police surveillance reduces disturbances in public places and that the action by the police also plays a significant role in the prevention of crime. As an example, by following the indices in the areas of large cities, it can be seen that increased surveillance of public places has affected the number of disturbances and crimes in public places.

When looking at surveillance and emergency response operations in 2025 as a whole, it can be stated that although the number of assignments and responsibilities have increased, it has been possible to maintain the effectiveness of the operations at a good level and even increase it as compared to 2024.

The police continued to allocate resources to criminal investigations

The number of offences against the Criminal Code rose significantly during 2025. At the same time, the productivity and level of solved crimes in crime prevention have improved. More resources have been allocated to crime prevention, and especially to criminal investigations, in recent years in accordance with the objectives of the Government Programme. This allocation has aimed at balancing the workload and resources of police units. Despite the positive trend, the workload of criminal investigations in relation to the resources still constitutes a major shortcoming that must be corrected in the future as well.

Serious crimes committed by identified members of street gangs have decreased in 2024 and 2025. The police have been able to identify persons belonging to street gangs and the connections between gangs and gang members. This has made it possible to direct and focus police operations to identified persons and targets based on available information. The police have prevented, uncovered and investigated crimes suspected of being committed by street gang members, and criminal liability has been realised.

The police are developing administration

As part of the productivity programme of the central government, the police launched its own productivity programme in 2024. In 2025, the programme shifted from preparation to implementation. This means a large-scale increase in productivity, a centralisation of administrative and support measures, and the development and harmonisation of processes. All this also lays the foundation for a wider utilisation of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

The goal of the development of the processes for administrative and support measures is to intensify the operations and reduce the workload. The savings target concerning those working in administrative and support duties on a nation-wide level is a reduction of at least 10 per cent from the situation in 2024.

Human resources

The actual number of police person-workyears increased by 1.7 per cent from the previous year, and the target for total person-workyears was achieved. The operational efforts of the police have been consolidated in accordance with the objectives.

According to the HenkilöstöBaro personnel barometer, the overall satisfaction of the personnel of the entire police and the National Police Board was at a good level. The number of sick leave days in 2025 was 9.9 days per person-year, which is at the same level as in the corresponding period of the previous year.

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The police are becoming aware of an increasing number of suspected sexual offences committed by minors.

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:27:00 GMT

The largest increase is in the number of offences related to sexually explicit material involving children.
“For example, in 2025, the police were notified of 241 cases in which a person under the age of 15 was suspected of distributing sexually explicit material involving children. Exposure to harmful content online can increase a child’s risk of committing a crime themselves, such as sexual violence,” says Chief Inspector Saara Asmundela from the National Police Board.

International research also shows that the number of suspected cases of sexual violence committed by children and young people is on the rise. According to a study conducted in England and Wales in 2022, the most common age of all suspects of sexual violence was 14.

Online safety and recommendations: How can we protect children under the age of 13 from the dangers of the digital world?

The internet and social media give children and young people the opportunity to search for information, explore the world, pursue hobbies, produce content, and meet peers and people of the same age. At the same time, however, they can potentially be exposed to all the bad things that they may not encounter so easily offline. The evil, harmful, and criminal elements of the offline world are present wherever people are, including online.

The police recommend that parents follow the national recommendations for children aged 0–13 on the use of digital devices during leisure time, published by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in January 2026. The recommendations were drafted in consultation with a large group of professionals from the education and health sectors. The recommendations seek to promote children’s wellbeing, safety, and learning and prevent the harmful effects of digital devices and exposure to harmful content.

The recommendations also include suggestions for content suitable for different age groups. It should be noted that giving smartphones to under-13s is not recommended. Furthermore, the recommendations state that children under the age of 13 should not use social media. In fact, the minimum age for users of all the most popular social media apps is 13. The police urge parents to ensure that their children do not use apps that are unsuitable for their age bracket. Furthermore, the recommendations state that children should not be exposed to content or applications that contain material that could harm their development, such as substance abuse, violence, or disturbing or sexual content.

Online content may expose children to sexual violence

Some content on the internet and social media, such as material depicting violence and children in a sexual context, is harmful to viewers of any age. However, children and young people in particular may see things and content online that they do not understand or are not equipped to process at their stage of development. It can be difficult for them to raise such matters with a trusted adult if they cannot articulate how they feel.

The internet and social media also normalise things that might feel strange or wrong offline. Internet users can chat and "make friends" with complete strangers without knowing anything about them at all. People may share information about themselves online that they would not disclose to strangers in their offline lives. Internet users may seek the approval of others by sharing visual content such as photos and videos. Sending a nude photo to a stranger online may not feel as strange as handing over the same photo to a stranger on the street. Messaging with strangers about sexual things can also be easier online than discussing the same topics offline.

The internet is also used to search for information. Children and young people become curious and interested in sexual matters, especially at certain stages of their development. Sex education aims to provide children with the information and skills they need to protect themselves better and act appropriately. Sex education also involves teaching emotional skills and the names of body parts and functions so that children are able to describe where they have been touched, for example, if they are ever subjected to violence.

If sex education is not available elsewhere or is insufficient to answer children’s questions, they may, in the worst case scenario, use the internet as a tool for sex education. In such cases, pornography or even illegal material may provide an example for children to follow in their sexual activity, behaviour, and respect or disrespect for the boundaries of others. According to a British study, 27 per cent of young people reported having seen pornography before the age of 11. It has been estimated that children’s exposure to pornography may affect their behaviour and normalise sexual violence, especially against girls and women.

Protect children from harmful content online

As a parent, you should take an interest in your children’s use of digital devices and discuss it with them.
A great way to help your child with this is to give them a stack of sticky notes and make an agreement with them that if they have something on their mind that is difficult to talk about, they can put a sticky note on the fridge door, for example. This acts as a sign that you should prepare for the conversation and create a safe space for it.
Guide children and young people in the safe use of digital devices in accordance with their age and stage of development. For example, the National Cyber Security Centre Finland has compiled and created information security materials for children, parents, and educators (Children’s information security skills | Cyber Security Center).
Arrange meaningful activities for children and young people that do not involve digital devices. Doing things together creates a healthy and safe sense of community and belonging.
Age restrictions for social media, games, and apps must be followed.
The family can agree that children should not shut themselves in rooms (bedrooms or bathrooms) with their phones. The whole family could also leave their phones overnight in the kitchen or living room, for example. The Protect Children Association and DNA have developed a “Phone parking lot” (Phone parking lot) for this purpose.
Use your telecom operator’s technical solutions to filter age-appropriate content for children. For example, you can set time limits for internet use, block your child from viewing harmful content, and control which apps your child can use.
Talk to your child about consent and its importance in relationships. Asking for consent should be a normal part of interaction, and children and young people should be taught how to ask for consent from others.

More information and support for parents

Guidance clinics, school health care, family counselling centre
SOS Children’s Village services to support parenting (Parenting support - SOS Children’s Village)
Save the Children Finland’s Online Tips, an online parents’ evening. The next one is on 11 March with the theme "Staying safe online – How to protect children from online dangers" (Turvallisesti verkossa – Miten suojata lasta verkon vaaroilta? -verkkovanhempainilta 11.3.2026 - Pelastakaa Lapset)
Save the Children Finland’s Huippula service for children, young people, and adults: what every parent should know about the dangers of the internet (Kuka suojaa lastasi verkossa? — Huippula)
Save the Children Finland’s guide for parents on digital safety skills (Online Safety Guide for Parents “Not Just a Device”)

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Two 15-year-olds suspected of attempted murder ordered by another party

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Based on the pre-trial investigation, the police suspect that a drug debt led to reprisals in a case of arson and attempted murder.

The crimes under investigation include attempted murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated criminal mischief, an aggravated narcotics offence, and aggravated violation of domestic privacy.

Three suspects, who were 15 years old at the time of the incident, remain in custody. Two of them are suspected of attempted murder and aggravated criminal mischief. All three are also suspected of aggravated narcotics offences.

The young age of the suspects and the seriousness of the crimes are exceptional in pre-trial investigations into organised crime in Finland.

Several suspects have connections to street gangs in Northern Helsinki, and the crimes are considered to have been committed, at least to some extent, as part of an organised criminal group.

Drug debts being collected

Since December 2025, the Helsinki Police Department has been investigating a series of crimes involving large-scale drug dealing and acts of revenge motivated by drug-related debts.

The pre-trial investigation indicates that the incidents arose in the wake of a failed drug deal in December. This gave rise to a debt and sparked a chain of events that led to arson and attempted murder.

Shortly after the drug deal, three men went to an apartment in Helsinki, looking for the person who owed money for the drug deal. The only people there were bystanders: a couple with a young child. The debtor was not present. The people in the apartment were threatened with violence if they failed to reveal the debtor’s whereabouts. At least one suspect had a weapon, and these suspects threatened to blow up the apartment. Eventually, the suspects absconded with a passport and a mobile phone belonging to the injured party.

The incident is being investigated as an aggravated robbery, and the suspects remain in custody.

Debt collection escalated into aggravated criminal mischief and attempted murder

A few days later, on 17 December 2025, a fire was deliberately set in the stairwell of an apartment building in Korso, Vantaa.

The fire spread very quickly and posed an immediate threat to the lives of all the residents in the stairwell. The stairwell was the building’s only exit route, so the rescue services had to evacuate several people through windows. The entire stairwell was engulfed in life-threatening combustion fumes and flames. The most intense area of fire was in front of the target apartment, and it posed a real risk of spreading into the apartment.

“The pre-trial investigation indicated that the arson deliberately targeted the home of a close relative of a previously sought debtor and the stairwell connected to it. Fortunately, the fire brigade arrived quickly and brought the fire under control. It was only by luck that serious personal injury was avoided,” says Detective Chief Inspector Markku Juurikkamäki of the Helsinki Police Department, who is the head investigator.

The pre-trial investigation revealed that the arson had been planned in a highly systematic way and that various preparations had been made. Among other things, the adults who planned the crime bought a mobile phone with a subscription specifically for the crime. The phone and subscription were given to two 15-year-old suspects, who were instructed to use the phone to commit arson at the address in question. One of them is suspected of starting the fire using a flammable liquid directed at the target apartment in accordance with the instructions he had received.

A total of four people are suspected of aggravated criminal mischief and attempted murder, and they are all in custody. According to the pre-trial investigation, one of them had visited the scene a few days earlier, searching for a drug debtor.

Three 15-year-olds suspected of large-scale drug dealing

During the investigation, the police discovered that the 15-year-old suspects had also been involved in large-scale drug dealing.

One of the suspects was arrested during a drug deal. He had managed to hand over three kilograms of amphetamines to another person. A working firearm and approximately €7,000 in cash were seized from the 15-year-old suspect at the time of his arrest.

In addition, the police discovered an apartment in a nearby building where the three 15-year-olds had stored and distributed drugs. All of them are suspected of involvement in the handling and distribution of significant quantities of narcotics. Approximately 15 kilograms of amphetamines and over €10,000 in cash were seized from the apartment.

Based on preliminary investigations, the drug dealing and related acts of revenge were orchestrated from abroad. Several people have been involved in their implementation and preparation.

Several adults were involved in the incidents in Finland in addition to the three 15-year-old suspects. The pre-trial investigation is now complete and focuses on ten suspects, seven of whom remain in custody.

The suspects are citizens of Finland, Somalia, Kosovo, and Iraq. One holds dual citizenship in Finland and Somalia, and another in Finland and Kosovo.

“The police were able to track down the suspects fairly soon after the fire on 17 December 2025. The investigation quickly linked the motive to a previous aggravated robbery. The identities of the suspects were gradually uncovered through the police’s own intelligence gathering and various pre-trial investigation measures. Suspects were apprehended at several different stages of the pre-trial investigation,” says Detective Chief Inspector Markku Juurikkamäki, the head investigator.

Crime as a Service is also a reality in Finland

Crime as a Service, a phenomenon linked to organised crime in Sweden, has become an aspect of Finnish criminality.

Over the past year, the Helsinki Police Department has investigated serious crimes where members of Swedish organised crime groups have recruited individuals from Sweden to commit violence in Finland.

This model is used in Sweden, where serious crimes are committed by minors who been taken into care outside their families. They have reduced criminal liability or no liability at all. This makes them an appealing target for exploitation by organised crime groups. Based on the cases reported to the Helsinki Police Department, this model has also become a reality in Finland.

“The exploitation of minors and vulnerable young people for criminal purposes is a despicable and highly concerning practice. Similarly, targeting family members or bystanders with violence demonstrates the lack of morality among organised criminals,” says Senior Detective Superintendent Kimmo Sainio of the Helsinki Police Department.

Crime as a Service poses ever-greater challenges for authorities and underlines the importance of cooperation and information sharing among them. This phenomenon will put young people who have fallen into a spiral of crime and other vulnerable young people at real risk in the future.

It also raises the danger to the lives and health of outsiders if reprisals target bystanders or if weapons or explosives are used in violent offences.

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Police officers fallen in the line of duty honoured with flags flying at half-mast

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On 7 March every year International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers is organised by Interpol to honour the courage and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Since the International Day of Remembrance falls on a Saturday this year, the Police of Finland will fly the flags at half-mast and observe one minute’s silence already on Friday 6 March.

Global Blue Chain

In the Interpol campaign ‘Global Blue Chain’, national buildings and landmarks all over the world will be illuminated in blue.

Police University College will participate by lighting the campus main building in Hervanta in blue between 6 and 7 March 2026.

Finnish officers fallen in the line of duty – an online exhibition

Finnish police fatalities are displayed in the online exhibition ‘In Memoriam – Police killed in the line of duty’ of the Police Museum. The exhibition includes a database of 164 police fatalities, in which a police officer has fallen due to violence or accident. In Finland two officers have lost their lives due to violence in the line of duty in the 21st century.

The Police Museum in Tampere will organise a guided tour free of charge following the online exhibition theme on 7 March. The guided tour is in Finnish. More information on the guidance and exhibition is available on the web pages of the Police Museum.

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A major fire in Pähkinärinne Vantaa

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:44:00 GMT

Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, but rescue operations continue and several rescue and first aid units as well as police patrols are at the site. The police have operational command of the situation.

The police have cordoned off the place and ask the inhabitants to avoid moving in the area. Outsiders are not in danger.

The police suspect the fire was deliberately started and one person has been arrested on suspicion of the crime.

Five people died in the fire.

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Applications for gambling licences can be submitted from next week – dozens of applications are expected

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:57:00 GMT

As of 2 March 2026, gambling companies can use the online service of regional administration to make an application for a licence for betting games, slot machine and casino games played online, as well as electronic money bingo. The licence applications are processed and the licences are granted by the National Police Board. The licence is valid for five years.

In addition to a gambling licence, companies can also make an application for an international co-operation licence if the licensed company intends to offer gambling games together with an operator that does not have an operating licence in Finland.

Companies that have been granted a licence to organise gambling can start operating in accordance with the licence.

“A similar change in the other Nordic countries has resulted in a few dozen applications, and corresponding numbers can be expected in Finland as well. We hope that licence applicants will avoid constant contacts with the National Police Board, as responding to inquiries takes up working time from the processing of applications. We estimate that the processing period will be about 3 to 6 months,” says Riikka Ruokolainen, Senior Adviser at the National Police Board.

Make an online application for a licence

We recommend that licence applicants submit the application in the online service of regional administration. It is advisable to fill in the application carefully and make sure to also include all the necessary attachments. A carefully completed application expedites the processing of the application.

Further information on gambling licences, application instructions and a link to the online service can be found on the police website.

Gambling and marketing of gambling games will begin no earlier than July 2027

The licences will enter into force in July 2027 at the earliest. Even though the licence decision can be obtained earlier, gambling companies can only offer and market their games in accordance with their own licence from 1 July 2027.

“At the moment, only Veikkaus Oy has the right to market gambling in mainland Finland. After the reform, licence holders will have the right to market their games. The marketing of gambling by other operators is illegal and will be intervened in,” says Juhani Wallinvirta, Head of Group at the National Police Board.

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Results of police licence services in 2025

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 11:31:00 GMT

The demand for passports and identity cards in particular decreased significantly compared to the previous year. This trend is largely a consequence of the exceptionally small demand during the Covid years: passports and identity cards in Finland are valid for five years, and the documents issued in 2020 were due for renewal in 2025.

A total of 579,625 passport applications were made in 2025, which is 30.3 per cent less than in 2024. The total number of identity card applications was 381,299, and their number decreased by 25 per cent from the previous year. There was also a slight decrease in firearms and security service licences and a slight increase in other licence matters. However, passports and identity cards with their largest volumes cause the biggest fluctuations in the number of customers.

Nearly half a million customers use appointments made in advance

The key performance objective of the Licence Administration of the police in 2025 was to ensure sufficient availability of advance appointments for customers.

In 2025, the customer service of the Licence Administration of the police served its customers with a total of approximately 496,500 advance appointments in all licence matters. A total of 438,458 advance appointments were made in passport and identity card matters.

The highest numbers of advance appointments were made in the areas of the police departments of Central Finland, Southwestern Finland, Helsinki and Eastern Uusimaa, where demand was also high. The high demand was also responded to: The Helsinki Police Department increased the number of available advance appointments by almost 40 per cent compared to 2024. The increase in the number of advance appointments together with a more even flow of customers facilitated the situation especially in the licence services in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

Approximately 523,000 advance appointments were offered for passport and identity card matters in the whole of Finland. However, some of the appointments were not used in different regions, and in Lapland and the Oulu region, among other places, customers often used the services without making an advance appointment. One quarter of the passports and identity cards were renewed in a lighter procedure, in other words without a personal visit to the police department.

76 per cent of the passport and identity card applications were submitted through the online service. In 2026, the Licence Administration of the police will continue to ensure a sufficient supply of advance appointments throughout the country. Target numbers have been set for all police departments to produce advance appointments, and a sufficient level of appointments based on waiting for an appointment to become available at a police station will also be maintained.

“To make the use of the service smoother, it is always a good idea to start the application on the police website. The online service guides the customer to the right service path,” says Hanna Piipponen, Chief of Licence Administration.

The up-to-date opening hours of the police licence services and more information on all services can be found at: poliisi.fi

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Police and domestic violence: Who is responsible for the prevention of domestic violence?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:53:00 GMT

The National Police Board has recently issued a new guideline concerning the prevention of domestic violence, which deals with the responsibilities of both field patrols and criminal investigation.

Violence, and especially domestic violence against women, is a serious problem in Finland. However, ensuring the security of an individual cannot be left to the criminal process alone, as Minna Ketola points out in her blog.

Violence is often caused by difficulties in life management

The root causes of domestic violence may include substance abuse problems, mental health problems or other life management difficulties.

“It would be justified that Finland, just like Sweden, would have legislation that regulates preventive efforts. This legislation would define the responsibilities of the different parties, such as local administration, wellbeing services counties, crime prevention authorities and parties involved in the criminal process. This would also enable the monitoring of the effectiveness, economy and profitability of the efforts,” Minna Ketola points out in her blog.

Read the blog by Assistant Police Commissioner Minna Ketola: Are the police the only party whose duty it is to prevent domestic violence?

Help is available

The police encourage both the victim and the perpetrator to seek help for the problem of violence and the victim to report the crime.

The police website contains information on those who can help.

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Police statistics for 2025 published

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:25:00 GMT

The most common police statistics can be freely accessed on the poliisi.fi website. The statistics are updated monthly and the full year's statistics are usually available in February. The statistics for 2025 were published on 18 February 2026.

We publish monthly statistics on all

crimes reported to the police and emergency responses by the police
operational response times
service capability times
traffic surveillance activities
paid permits issued by the police.

Most of the statistics can be examined at a nationwide, police department and municipal level.

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Tachographs under special examination in the intensified surveillance operation of heavy goods traffic by the police

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:47:00 GMT

The intensified surveillance period for heavy goods traffic began on Monday 2 February and ended on Friday 6 February. During that period, the police found 150 driving and rest time violations and 89 tachograph violations.

“The number of driving and rest time violations was still at the same level as in the corresponding surveillance campaigns in recent years. This time, we paid more attention to the correct use of the tachograph. As a result of this, the number of related offences more than doubled,” says Chief Superintendent Kari Onninen.

A total of 69 road transports of dangerous goods were inspected, of which 11 were found to be worthy of a sanction, and the number of these types of offences increased compared to the previous enforcement periods.

A total of 50 penalties were recorded of vehicles that were found to be in a poor condition, and the journey of twelve vehicles was interrupted due to malfunctions that were particularly dangerous to traffic safety. The number of vehicles in a poor condition was at the same level as in previous similar enforcement campaigns.

Moreover, 24 penalties were issued for inadequate load securing and ten for overloads.

The enforcement campaign concerning freight traffic was targeted at compliance with driving and rest times, securing the load, the condition of vehicles, and overloads. These issues have been defined as the focal areas of heavy goods transport surveillance by the police this year.

During the enforcement period, a total of 1,302 heavy goods vehicles were inspected, of which 1,160 were Finnish vehicles and 126 were foreign, as well as 16 buses. The police spent a total of about 2,900 hours of work time on the surveillance campaign.

At least one penalty was imposed on 26 per cent of the drivers. The corresponding share during the enforcement period in 2025 was 20 per cent.

All police departments participated in the intensified surveillance campaign in their own areas.

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Check the validity of your passport and identity card for travel in the winter and spring period

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:38:00 GMT

It is always best to use the online service for the renewal. When submitting an online application, the system will tell you whether you need an identification appointment at a police station. At the same time, it is easy to book an appointment at the police station of your choice. If you make an application for a passport or identity card online, it is also slightly cheaper than a travel document obtained from a police station. If the renewal of your passport or identity card has been delayed until the last minute, it is also possible to visit the police station without an appointment, but in this case you should be prepared to wait for an official to become available.

A ten-year passport is not yet available

Some clients are waiting for the maximum validity of the passport to extend to ten years. However, you should not wait to renew your passport, because it will take time for the validity period to change. The legislative amendments required by the changed validity period have not yet been taken to Parliament.

How to renew your passport or identification card

Have a passport photograph taken of you. The photograph attached to the passport or identity card application must be no more than six months old.
Start making an application for a new travel document at poliisi.fi
The system will direct you to book an appointment at a police station, if this is necessary. Make sure to cancel your appointment if you cannot make it.
Retrieve your completed document when you receive the pick-up notification.

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An elderly man is suspected of having lived in the basement of a detached house for years under inhumane conditions

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:06:00 GMT

In the basement of the house, the police discovered an approximately 80-year-old man in poor physical condition and in need of immediate assistance. The living space the man had been using was a windowless room, lacking access to bathing facilities, a toilet, or the ability to prepare food. According to information gathered during the preliminary investigation, the man had moved into the space several decades ago. The man, who had been living in the basement, is now under the care of the appropriate authorities.

The Helsinki Police Department continue their investigation to determine whether other individuals living in the same house have committed human trafficking, exploiting the man’s dependent situation and placing him in degrading conditions, potentially for financial gain.

In connection with the criminal suspicion, the police have detained two men and one woman. The suspects are approximately 60 years old and residents of Helsinki.

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Police uncover a large drug smuggling and distribution organisation in the Helsinki metropolitan area

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:37:00 GMT

A Swedish organisation is suspected of importing hundreds of kilos of narcotics into Finland, and these narcotics have been distributed onwards by street gangs, among others.

The organisation brought more than 300 kilos of drugs into Finland in 2025

In 2025, people coming from Sweden are suspected of having supplied large quantities of various drugs out of apartments in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Based on international cooperation and investigations by the police, the investigation team identified several individuals who were mainly linked to a Swedish criminal organisation and who received and distributed very large quantities of narcotics in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

During the pre-trial investigation, the police seized 220 kilos of amphetamines, around 50 kilos of cocaine, almost 400,000 pharmaceutical items classified as narcotics, and firearms from the apartments used by the suspects.

“The pre-trial investigation indicated that the case is linked to international drug crime led from abroad, with individuals connected to Finnish street gangs also involved in various roles. The pre-trial investigation was carried out in cooperation with the Swedish police in particular, and as the investigation progressed, the Norwegian police were also involved. Effective national and international cooperation has played a crucial role in solving the case," says Senior Detective Superintendent Masi Puolakka, the head investigator.

The total number of suspects is around 30, of whom 13 are currently still in custody. Aggravated narcotics offences and firearms offences are suspected. All the suspects are of legal age. Swedish nationals and Somali nationals living in Finland are prominent among the suspects.

Shooting at Puustellinmäki on Christmas Eve 2024 spurred an investigation into aggravated narcotics offences

Alongside the investigation into the import of drugs, the task force for street gang crime has investigated the distribution of drugs by street gangs, where the drugs were obtained from the above-mentioned organisation.

The investigation started after a shooting in Puustellinmäki, Espoo, on Christmas Eve 2024. During this pre-trial investigation, the team learned that the suspects in the shooting case were also suspected of receiving and distributing drugs obtained from a Swedish organisation.

In addition, cooperation has been carried out with Eastern Uusimaa Police Department who has detained one person connected to the case. In total, the police suspect that dozens of kilos of various drugs were acquired and sold in 2024 and 2025.

“Based on the pre-trial investigation, the street gang members are suspected to have purchased narcotics from the Swedes in batches of one or two kilos and moved them on quickly,” says Senior Detective Superintendent Marko Forss of the Helsinki Police Department.

The street gang is suspected of having stored drugs, firearms, and money, mainly in short-term rented apartments in various parts of the Helsinki metropolitan area. Using such apartments to store illegal goods is today more the rule than the exception.

Nine people linked to the street gang have been arrested in connection with the case, seven of whom are still in custody. About a kilo of cocaine, smaller quantities of other drugs, three handguns, and about €70,000 in cash were seized during the pre-trial investigation into the street gang.

The cases will soon be submitted for the consideration of charges.

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Keeping the capital safe for 200 years – Helsinki Police Department responds to the constantly changing operating environment

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Helsinki Police Department celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Established in 1826, the police force was tasked with maintaining order in the growing city, protecting people from crime and upholding social peace. Although today's environment is completely different, the police still have the same core mission: to keep people safe, protect the city, and act as a safeguard under all circumstances.

Last year saw significant changes in the Helsinki police’s operating environment. The numbers of police missions and crime reports increased, but the police also improved their performance, response times, and rates of crimes solved. One particular concern was the sharp increase in drug use, particularly of alpha-PVP, and the resulting disorder, criminality, and serious health problems.

More call-outs, record preparedness

Last year, the Helsinki Police Department received a total of 162,099 call-outs, almost 20,000 more than the year before. The number category A missions – the most important category – increased by 13.3%. Despite the heavier workload, the Helsinki police's average response time for category A call-outs was better than ever before, at 4.8 minutes.

Last year, 93 295 crimes were reported to the Helsinki police. The number of crimes rose by 12,4% from 2024. Despite this growth, investigation times were reduced, and the rate of crimes solved increased.

“Just over a year ago, we made major organisational changes within the Helsinki Police Department. Now, looking at the results for the past year as a whole, it seems our decisions were the right ones, and we have met, or even surpassed, the targets we set ourselves. The operating environment is changing rapidly, and we need to develop continuously in order to meet ever-changing needs," says Police Commissioner Jari Liukku, Police Chief at the Helsinki Police Department.

Drug offences continue to rise

The number of drug users and the volume of drugs consumed in Finland are rising sharply. The number of drug-related offences reported to the Helsinki police increased by almost 10% last year, and the number of aggravated narcotics offences climbed by over 15%.

A growing demand for drugs is fuelling transnational organised crime linked to their production, importation, and distribution. The street drug trade and the use of drugs cause disorder, which often manifests itself in violence, property offences, and other criminality. In particular, the sharp increase in alpha-PVP use is reflected in more unpredictable and aggressive behaviour.

“The key to overall safety is to stem the continuous rise in the number of drug users, especially among younger age groups. The Helsinki police work closely with other authorities, the city, and various stakeholders to prevent the use and sale of drugs and the safety hazards they cause to citizens," Liukku emphasises.

The share of foreigners in the street and online drug trade has increased. In response, the Helsinki police have stepped up the rate of crime-based deportations and will continue to do so. The number of deportations related to combating immediate threats to public order and security has also increased. Last year, the Helsinki police deported 962 people, which was 331 more than the year before.

“Deportations are an integral part of maintaining public order and security,” says Chief Inspector Simo Kauppinen.

Visible surveillance and police presence are essential

One major focus of the Helsinki Police Department over the past year has been increasing the amount of visible surveillance and police presence at trouble spots. This is one concrete measure the police have taken in response to the disturbances caused by the growing drug problem. Surveillance has been carried out in wide-ranging cooperation with stakeholders, and the police have adopted an information-driven approach based on their own analysis and feedback from stakeholders and residents. There has also been an increase in camera surveillance at hotspots and the introduction of a mobile surveillance trailer, which has received a lot of positive feedback.

Last year, the Helsinki police carried out 76.9% more public-order tasks on their own initiative than in the previous year. In addition, the number of foot patrols almost doubled compared to 2024.

“Making citizens feel safe and secure is the police's most important task. This year, the police department will step up its information-led policing to combat drug trafficking, serious criminality, and offences and disturbances that compromise public order and safety,” says Police Chief Jari Liukku.

The national school police model was launched a year ago as a preventive measure targeted at young people. It has since become an established aspect of policing. This means that police officers from the surveillance unit will continue to actively visit Helsinki’s schools and nearby areas and engage in dialogue with children and young people. The police also support schools in problem-solving situations. The school police activities also include online lessons from the national Koulu25 team and a strong social media presence among Koulu25 officers.

One of the main priorities is to combat crime by juveniles and street gangs

In the capital region, there have been observations of youth gangs formed by minors. These gangs are stigmatized in different areas and move around the capital region. Some of the young people belonging to these groups cause disturbances and commit crimes together. A relatively small group of the most challenging young people are responsible for the majority of serious youth crimes, such as robberies and assaults. Police departments in the capital region are currently mapping the exact number of the most challenging youngsters.

In many areas around the capital region, there are street gangs consisting of young adults who are actively involved in drug dealing and violence. Street gangs and their members change rapidly, and some of the gangs that were active a few years ago may no longer exist, having been replaced by new ones.

– Youth and gang crime in the capital region is changing rapidly. The current situation involves groups of minors committing crimes, street gangs formed by young adults and organized crime led from Sweden that supplies drugs to street gangs. The role of a juvenile offender can quickly change to that of a professional criminal. Preventing this requires swift and strict measures from the authorities, says Detective Chief Superintendent Markku Heinikari.

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Police to effectively enforce compliance with new firearms regulations

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:31:00 GMT

An amendment to weapons offences, in other words an amendment to chapter 41 of the Criminal Code, entered into force on 1 January 2026. The amendment aims to reduce weapons offences and offences committed using weapons.

The most visible changes resulting from the amendment are changes to the statutory definitions of offences and tougher punishments. For example, the most severe penalty for possession of a dangerous object is now two years imprisonment, whereas it was previously one year. Other changes to the penal scale have been made. Namely, the least severe punishment for aggravated firearms offences was increased from four months imprisonment to two years, which means that the prison sentence for such an offence is unconditional.

“The amendment made to weapons offences and especially the changes made to the penal scale seek to highlight the reprehensibility of these offences,” says National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki at the National Police Board.

“The legislative amendment seeks to seriously address the possession of unlawful firearms in public places. Such an offence may well meet the statutory definition of a firearms offence,” Koskimäki points out.

The amendment will also be reflected in so-called mass crimes. The police could earlier deal with possession, without an acceptable reason, of an object - such as a flick knife or sheath knife - or a substance capable of causing serious harm to another in a public place by issuing a fine. Now, however, the situation has changed, since the most severe punishment for such an offence is as much as one year of imprisonment. Therefore, it can no longer be processed through fine proceedings outside of a court of law.

“Such an offence will be investigated in a criminal investigation and pass to the prosecutor for consideration of charges. Society does not take this kind of criminality lightly,” says Chief Superintendent Konsta Arvelin at the National Police Board.

The police are ready to play their part in the effectively implementing the amendment made to weapons offences. In practice, this means various enforcement and investigation measures as well as the effective use of coercive measures.

“Effective enforcement of the law is important in terms of both general and specific deterrence. People need to understand that committing a crime is not worth it because they may get caught,” Arvelin says.

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Penkkarit truck parades require public event notification to the police

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:44:00 GMT

Final-year upper secondary school students in Finland celebrate penkkarit, their last day of school before matriculation exams, in the first half of February. For many, the highlight of penkkarit is the slow drive through city centres on the back of a truck.

Penkkarit truck parades are public events, which require special traffic arrangements. By law, notification of such events must be made to the local police at least five (5) days before the event.

In larger towns and cities, penkkarit attract large crowds along roadsides. There may also be dozens or hundreds of final-year upper secondary school students on the backs of trucks. Such large-scale events may also require an emergency plan. This must be submitted to the local rescue authority for approval no later than 14 days before the start of the event.

Penkkarit truck drivers must have at least two years’ truck-driving experience

In addition, the police remind people that trucks with no seats or benches at the back of them may be used temporarily for the transport of passengers related to penkkarit festivities and other similar events, provided that the driver of the vehicle has at least two years’ of truck-driving experience in the service of another party or as a licensed transport operator.

Trucks are also subject to other requirements. The bedsides of the back of the truck must be at least 120 cm high on all sides. The truck bed must also be free of snow and ice and not be slippery. Nor must there be objects, equipment or structures in the back of the truck that could endanger passenger safety.

Letter of recommendation and more detailed instructions

The National Steering Group for Public Events published a letter of recommendation for penkkarit truck parades on 18 December 2025. The local police or contact person in the locality where the event is to take place can provide more detailed information.

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Webinar: Licences under the new Gambling Act

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:09:00 GMT

Date: Thursday 29 January 2026 at 9.30−11.00 EET

Place: Participation in the event is by Teams only. The event is not recorded.

The event will review the reform of the Gambling Act, what is involved and what gaming companies need to know in order to operate in Finland. In addition to the act, the focus will be on applying for a licence and related technical issues. Gambling harm will be discussed especially from the perspective of the responsibility of gambling operators.

The event will feature speakers from experts from the National Police Board's Lottery Administration, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

The event is aimed at gambling operators, actors providing services related to gambling harm, and their representatives. Separate events for other stakeholders and the media will be held in 2026.

Registration for the event

Registration is required to participate in the event. We ask representatives of gambling operators and actors providing services related to gambling harm to register by 26 January 2026 in Webropol via this link (in Finnish/Swedish).

The Teams link will be sent to registered participants 1−2 days before the webinar.

The event will be held in Finnish. When registering, it is possible to submit advance questions in English. These questions will be answered during the webinar.

Streaming or recording the event is not allowed.

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Fitburg Vessel to move to international waters under Border Guard's control

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:21:00 GMT

The operation led by the Helsinki Police will end once the Fitburg vessel has left Kantvik harbour. After that the authorities will continue their normal duties and release information about their respective areas of responsibility themselves.

– The Finnish and Estonian police have completed their work on board the vessel, and the seizure can therefore be lifted. Yesterday, Sunday, January 11, the Helsinki District Court remanded a crew member of a ship named Fitburg in custody pending retrial. Some of the ship's crew remain under a travel ban, says Tactical Leader of the investigation, Risto Lohi, from the National Bureau of Investigation.

The Border Guard monitored the departure of the Fitburg from Finnish territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone.

The Border Guard took immediate action to investigate possible damage to critical infrastructure. The Finnish Coast Guard patrol vessel Turva assisted the National Bureau of Investigation with underwater investigations in the Gulf of Finland and mapped the anchor drag trail over a distance of several tens of kilometers.

Other key actors during the operation include Finnish Customs and the Finnish Transport and Communications Services (Traficom). Customs carried out sanctions-related monitoring by inspecting the ship's cargo and conducted a preliminary investigation into the suspected sanctions violation. Traficom carried out a port state control inspection of the vessel outside the normal inspection interval on the basis of suspicions related to damage to a submarine cable.

– The Finnish authorities took swift action and prevented any further damage from occurring in the Gulf of Finland. Authorities have the capacity to respond to cable damage and other similar situations and work together seamlessly, says Police Chief Jari Liukku of the Helsinki Police Department.

The Fitburg vessel is suspected of causing damage to Elisa's submarine cable on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025. The damage occurred in Estonia's exclusive economic zone.

The National Bureau of Investigation is conducting a preliminary investigation into the matter in cooperation with the Estonian National Police. In Finland, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Criminal offences may change as the investigation progresses.

The Finnish authorities took control of the ship in a joint operation and prevented further damage. The Border Guard and the Defence Forces have provided significant assistance to the police at sea and in the air throughout the operation.

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Helsinki Police Department warns children and their parents about dangerous social media challenges

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:03:00 GMT

The Helsinki Police Department considers participation in dangerous challenges an alarming trend. Engaging in these challenges can be extremely dangerous for children and young people.

Children and young people should not engage in dangerous challenges, nor should they encourage others to do so. Parents have a responsibility to address this issue with their minor children.

The Helsinki Police Department does not provide address-specific information regarding emergency calls.

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The nuoretjarikollisuus.fi website has been moved to the poliisi.fi website

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:56:00 GMT

The website for young people, developed in co-operation with the police and the Ministry of the Interior, has been moved in its entirety to the police website at poliisi.fi/nuoret-ja-rikollisuus. The previous address nuoretjarikollisuus.fi also automatically redirects the user to the new website in Finnish.

Youths and crime is a website aimed at children and young people aged 12 to 18. It contains information about crimes faced by children and young people, tests that can be used to better understand when the criteria of a crime are met, and advice on what to do if you have encountered a crime.

In connection with the transfer, the overall website has been updated and more content has been created. Especially the section “Information about crimes” contains a lot of new material and tests. The transfer of the site made it possible that now all materials are also available in English. Even though there is already much material on the website, new content will also be added.

“It has been good to hear that this package, which tells about crimes, where to get help or what to do, aimed at young people, has found its place, and that the pages are even used for educational purposes. We hope that more and more people will find their way to the information. As an example, parents and custodians can discuss these topics together with young people by means of the website,” says Chief Superintendent Miia Lehtinen of the National Police Board.

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The Fitburg Vessel Seized by the National Bureau of Investigation

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:35:00 GMT

The decision to seize the vessel was made to secure the measures necessary for the criminal investigation. The seizure took place today, 7 January, at 08:00 AM. For the purposes of the investigation, forensic examinations are being conducted on the vessel, and the crew members are being interviewed, making the seizure essential at this stage.

Prior to this, the vessel’s cargo, consisting of steel products, was under administrative detention by Customs while it carried out a preliminary inquiry into whether the crew should be suspected of committing an aggravated sanction offence. For more information, please refer to the Customs press release.

At this stage, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications. One crew member has been placed in pre-trial detention, and a travel ban has been imposed on three other individuals.
The Fitburg vessel is suspected of, among other things, damaging a subsea telecommunications cable owned by Elisa in the Gulf of Finland. The vessel was stopped and instructed to move to Finnish territorial waters to clarify the situation. Finnish and Estonian authorities have established a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for the criminal investigation.

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Criminal Investigation into the Fitburg Vessel to Continue for Weeks

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:52:00 GMT

The police continue the investigation into the damage caused to Elisa’s telecommunications cable, using forensic and tactical methods as usual. At this stage, the gathering and analysis of information is still ongoing. Information has been collected from various sources, including other authorities, the cable damage site, the Fitburg cargo vessel, and the crew members' communication devices.

It has been just under a week since the cable was damaged, and the investigation is progressing step by step. The investigation will continue in the usual manner, and the police will provide updates once more certain information about the course of events is available.

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Maritime Investigations in the Gulf of Finland Continue

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The National Bureau of Investigation has been working closely with other authorities to advance the criminal investigation. Today, on 04 January, the Helsinki District Court ordered a crew member of the vessel Fitburg to be placed in pre-trial detention. At this stage, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications. The interviews of the crew members are progressing as planned.

─ The technical and tactical investigation of the case is progressing with the involvement of several authorities. At the core of the investigation is the assessment of intent and the information influencing it. There have been incidents in the Gulf of Finland in recent years, and this case proves that both national and international cooperation between authorities functions seamlessly, says Tactical Leader of investigation Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Maritime Investigations Conducted in Cooperation with Estonian Authorities

The police, supported by the Border Guard and the Defence Forces, have conducted maritime investigations. Estonian authorities have participated in the investigative efforts on site. The Joint Investigation Team will continue the investigations throughout the weekend.

Subsea examinations have focused on, among other things, drag marks found on the seabed, which appear to align with the vessel's route. Based on the examinations conducted so far, there is reason to suspect that the anchor and anchor chain of the Fitburg vessel have dragged along the seabed for at least several tens of kilometres before reaching the point of damage to the telecommunications cable owned by Elisa.

To ensure the continuation of the investigative actions, the joint operation of the authorities will proceed. The Helsinki Police Department is leading the operation, supported by the Border Guard. The National Bureau of Investigation is responsible for the criminal investigation into the case.

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The Police Request that a Crew Member of the Fitburg Cargo Vessel Be Subjected to Pre-Trial Detention

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:04:00 GMT

A travel ban has been imposed on one the two crew members of the Fitburg vessel who had previously been arrested. The crew member in question is a Russian national. The vessel has a total of 14 crew members on board, and currently, a travel ban has been imposed on three of them.

The other crew member previously arrested is a national of Azerbaijan, and the police will request his pre-trial detention today, 03 January. For the purposes relating to the criminal investigation, it is not possible to provide further details regarding their rank. In the course of the investigation, the leaders of the investigation continually assess the necessity, sufficiency, and comprehensiveness of the coercive measures taken.

The analysis of the material collected from the vessel is expected to take several weeks. Investigative actions on board the vessel continue.

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Police Have Interviewed Crew Members of the Fitburg Vessel

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:39:00 GMT

The police have made progress in the criminal investigative actions concerning the damage to the telecommunications cable owned by Elisa. The damage to the cable is suspected to have been caused by a vessel named Fitburg, which has a crew of 14 members on board. The police have arrested two individuals and two other persons have been subjected to a travel ban. They were interviewed on Thursday, and the interviews continue on Friday, 02 January.

- The interviews have clarified the course of events and the different roles of the crew members, says the Tactical Leader, Detective Chief Superintendent Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Criminal offences may change as the investigation progresses.

The National Bureau of Investigation has setup a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) with Estonia. The Joint Investigation Team enables seamless cooperation with the Estonian authorities.

The police have continued the crime scene investigation on the seabed near the damaged cable, in cooperation with other authorities. The Border Guard’s patrol vessel Turva is leading the operational activities of the subsea crime scene investigation in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation. The investigation makes use of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard's diverse underwater equipment, including submersible robots, side-scan sonar, and multi-beam echo sounders The Defence Forces are also providing assistance in the investigation of the cable damage.

Port State Control Inspection of the Vessel by Traficom Completed

The actions conducted aboard the vessel as part of the port state control inspection initiated by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) on Wednesday, 31 December, were completed on 01 January 2026. The inspection ensured that the vessel meets the requirements of the relevant international conventions.

- The vessel is in normal condition for its age. During the inspection, we tested equipment and assessed the condition and compliance of the vessel's spaces, equipment, supplies, and systems. We also monitored the safety drill conducted by the vessel's crew," says Sanna Sonninen, Maritime Director at Traficom.

The number of deficiencies observed is typical for the vessel’s age, and the deficiencies are of a minor nature No deficiencies were found that would jeopardise safety. The report on the results of the port state control inspection will be completed next week.

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Investigation Related to Vessel Fitburg Continues

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:58:00 GMT

The vessel Fitburg, suspected of being involved in the cable damage incident in the Gulf of Finland, was escorted by authorities to Kantvik harbour on 31 December at approximately 17:00.

Responsibility for the criminal investigation has been transferred to the National Bureau of Investigation, and at this stage, the incident is being investigated on suspicion of aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications.

– Investigative actions have been carried out on the vessel, including the collection of material, and analysis has begun. The examination of the anchor on the ship has also started, and any potential damages are being investigated. Crew member questioning was initiated immediately on Wednesday evening, and formal interviews will begin today, Thursday, says the Tactical Leader, Senior Detective Inspector Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The police have arrested two individuals and two other persons have been subjected to a travel ban. At this stage of the investigation, it is not possible to provide further details regarding their nationalities or their ranks.

The police continue to take necessary investigative measures on board the vessel. The investigative actions on the vessel have proceeded smoothly in close cooperation with the crew on board.

The authorities have also initiated a subsea crime scene investigation in the area surrounding the damaged cable. The Border Guard and the Defence Forces are providing support to the police investigation.

No-Fly Zone Is in Place in the Area

A temporary no-fly zone has been put in place over Kantvik harbour. The current no-fly zones should always be checked on the website www.Flyk.com.

The authorities have temporarily restricted access to the area for outsiders in order to secure the enforcement of official measures, until the necessary actions have been completed.

Port State Control Inspection of the Vessel by Traficom Underway

The Port State Control inspection of the vessel, initiated by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom on Wednesday, is continuing today, Thursday. The inspection will ensure that the vessel meets the requirements of the relevant international conventions.

– The vessel's inspection is being carried out in accordance with the requirements of the police investigation, and the inspection has progressed in good cooperation with the crew. We are satisfied with the progress of the inspection, says Sanna Sonninen, Director of Maritime Affairs at Traficom.

Traficom will provide information on the results of the inspection later, once the inspection has been completed.

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Cargo Vessel Fitburg has been moved to a Safe Place

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 18:01:00 GMT

In the field operation led by the Helsinki Police Department, helicopters from the Border Guard and the Finnish Defence Forces were deployed. The police rapid response unit Karhu and the Border Guard's tactical team fast-roped down to the vessel's deck from helicopters. The vessel has been taken into custody in a law enforcement cooperation operation led by the police.

─ This maritime operation once again demonstrated the police and other authorities' excellent readiness to provide a timely response and work seamlessly together within their respective areas of responsibility, says National Police Commisioner Ilkka Koskimäki.

The vessel in question is the cargo ship Fitburg, sailing under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with 14 crew members on board. They are nationals of Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.

─ In addition to launching this strong inter-agency cooperation process, we immediately dispatched a Border Guard helicopter and the patrol vessel Turva to sea and began locating potential suspects who could have caused the damage in the maritime area," says Commander Mikko Simola of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard.

The Helsinki Police Department is leading the operation and conducting criminal investigation in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation.

The police have been in contact with the National Prosecutor's Office, and the Prosecutor General has issued a prosecution order in the case. At this stage, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications.

Intensive international cooperation and information sharing are being conducted with the Estonian authorities, in particular to resolve the case.

The police are investigating the incident in cooperation with several national and international authorities, and further information will be provided as soon as possible.

Traficom will Initiate a Port State Control Inspection on the Vessel

The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom will commence a port state control inspection on the vessel today, 31 December. The inspection will ensure that the vessel meets the requirements of the relevant international conventions. The vessel inspection is a standard procedure for authorities.

─ The inspection will be conducted in a way that does not disrupt the police operation or investigation, says Sanna Sonninen, Director of Maritime Affairs at Traficom.

Customs will carry out an inspection of the Fitburg vessel to check for any goods that may violate sanctions or regulations.

─ Customs will assess the conditions for the vessel's cargo import and, if necessary, initiate a preliminary investigation based on its findings, says Sami Rakshit, Director General of Customs.

Traficom: Telecommunications Connections from Finland Are Functioning Normally

The severing of submarine cables has not affected the functionality of Finland's communication services.

Finland's telecommunications connections to the world and within the country are secured and supported through multiple means. Internet usage is not dependent on a single cable. If disruptions occur in one connection, internet traffic is automatically rerouted to backup connections.

Various sectors of society have prepared for situations like cable damage, and regular drills are conducted. Connections can be disrupted for various reasons, such as equipment failures or natural phenomena. Preparedness and close cooperation between different sectors of society are long-standing and standard procedures in Finland.

Update 20:50: At the time of publication, the ship had already been moved to a safe location.

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Police Investigate Cable Damage in the Gulf of Finland in Cooperation with Other Authorities

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:56:00 GMT

Telecommunications provider Elisa detected a fault in the company’s telecommunications cable between Helsinki and Tallinn early in the morning on 31 December 2025. Elisa reported the issue to the Border Guard's Operations Centre. Under the leadership of the Border Guard, an immediate investigation was initiated into the damage to the underwater critical infrastructure.

The Border Guard located a vessel suspected of being responsible for the damage to the cable. The damage site reported by Elisa was within Estonia's exclusive economic zone. The Border Guard's patrol vessel Turva and helicopter found the suspected vessel within Finland's exclusive economic zone. The vessel's anchor chain was found to be lowered into the sea. The Border Guard instructed the vessel to stop and raise the anchor. The Border Guard also requested that the vessel move to a safe anchorage within Finnish territorial waters.

Finnish authorities have taken control of the vessel as part of a joint operation. Responsibility for leading the investigation has been transferred from the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard to the Helsinki Police Department.
The police have been in contact with the National Prosecutor's Office, and the Prosecutor General has issued a prosecution order. At this stage, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications.

The police are investigating the incident in cooperation with several national and international authorities, and further information will be provided as soon as possible.

The operation involves, in addition to the police and the Border Guard, the Finnish Defence Forces, Customs, Traficom, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), and Finngrid.

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Helsinki Police is maintaining public order and safety in Helsinki on New Year’s Eve

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:10:00 GMT

Helsinki Police Department is maintaining public order and safety in Helsinki city centre on 31 December 2025 and 1 January 2026.

The police will focus on Helsinki New Year celebrations at Kansalaistori and enforcing the ban on fireworks.

In general, lighting fireworks is allowed from 6 p.m. on 31 December until 2 a.m. on 1 January.

The police remind everyone to use fireworks responsibly. The police also make a particular appeal to parents.

Giving fireworks to minors is not allowed. An adult is always responsible for their fireworks. Any fireworks and explosives possessed by minors will always be confiscated. It is now mandatory to use safety goggles when lighting fireworks.

In addition, the police remind everyone that alcohol can be possessed and consumed only by people over the age of 18. Parents are responsible for making sure their children and young people celebrate the New Year safely.

One major focus of surveillance is to combat substance abuse problems and crime against children and young people, as well as crimes committed by young people.

"Parents are responsible for ensuring that children and young people celebrate safely. The police encourage people to report disturbances and crimes targeting young people in particular to the emergency number, as these do not always come to the attention of the police", reminds Chief Inspector Harri Kopra.

Additional information:

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The police will continue school co-operation also in 2026

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:25:00 GMT

Police departments have considered the co-operation model necessary, and the feedback from schools has been positive. The personnel resources allocated to the school co-operation efforts have been actively used by different police departments. Schools and the police have clear instructions on how to keep in touch so that help can be found at the right time and in the right place. The feedback received from citizens emphasises the strengthening of the visibility and accessibility of the police and the security of schools. The efforts are considered as valuable, and even more corresponding efforts are hoped for in the future.

All schools are offered the opportunity to participate in online lessons implemented by the police, which deal with topics of interest to young people and related to everyday life. About 425,000 schoolchildren were reached during the lessons in 2025. Something new is coming up for next year in terms of these lessons! Moreover, the police will produce content for teachers, custodians and young people on social media channels next year as well. So, follow the social media profiles of the Koulu25 group!

Police patrols continue to be actively present in schools, educational institutions and daycare centres

Police patrols visiting schools have been well received, and it is considered that the visits increase security. The police have also considered it meaningful to meet and reach young people in this way.

“It is important to meet young people face to face – it increases trust and strengthens the sense of security. The long-term goal is to reduce prejudice against the police and prevent disruptive behaviour at school and in leisure time. By the middle of November 2025, the police had visited daycare centres, schools and other educational institutions on approximately 4,700 occasions,” says Assistant Police Commissioner Pasi Rissanen of the National Police Board.

Co-operation between the police and schools has become closer through the nation-wide operating model of the police. The feedback from schools has been positive:

“The presence of the police is considered to be valuable and desirable. The co-operation has reduced the number of unnecessary police reports and lowered the threshold for asking for advice. The school consultation help line in particular has become a key tool for providing quick help in situations and getting a better overall idea of the situation at hand,” says Pasi Rissanen and adds:

“This year, the police have registered more than 2,300 police reports related to the co-operation between the police and schools. Most of these are assaults. School should and must be a safe place for everyone!”

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Police forces in the Helsinki metropolitan area work closely together to improve the security situation

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The numbers of police call-outs and crimes in the Helsinki metropolitan area have clearly increased over the past year. The increased use of drugs is reflected in a significant increase in disorder. The number of police assignments rose by 14% in Helsinki and Eastern Uusimaa and by 6% in Western Uusimaa compared to the same period last year.

“The three large cities form a fairly coherent area in terms of their operating environment. The same phenomena occur across the municipal boundaries and affect us all. Demand for police services has increased across every police unit, including call-outs, surveillance, criminal investigations and licensing services. We have worked together operationally on a broad front, and the importance of cooperation will only increase in the future. Flexible and effective cooperation is one of our strengths, and it guarantees a safe urban environment for residents," say Police Chiefs Jari Liukku of the Helsinki Police Department, Marko Viitanen of the Eastern Uusimaa Police Department, and Timo Saarinen of the Western Uusimaa Police Department.

According to the Helsinki safety survey published in the summer, many people feel unsafe, for example, on weekend nights in the city centre and in the evenings on commuter trains and the metro. There is a strong connection between a perceived lack of safety on weekend evenings and witnessing violence and drugs in the local area. Increases in the use of drugs and the disorder caused by drug use are a common challenge for the whole metropolitan area.

The mayors of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa met with the chiefs of police in August to launch a collaborative effort across the region to tackle the drug situation. The police departments have responded to the situation by ramping up the numbers of visible patrols and missions on police initiative. The number of foot patrols has doubled in Helsinki and almost tripled in Western Uusimaa since last year. The number has increased by 40% in Eastern Uusimaa.

Joint surveillance on December weekends

On weekends in December, the police departments will conduct joint surveillance focusing on shopping centres and public transport in Helsinki, Vantaa and Espoo, as well as public transport stations with particularly visible issues of substance abuse. Most disturbances occur along the railway line.

One major focus of joint surveillance is to combat substance abuse problems and crime against children and young people, as well as crimes committed by young people. Stakeholders will be closely involved in this surveillance. Chief Inspector Hanna Kiiskinen, who heads surveillance activities at the Helsinki Police Department, says the cooperation will strengthen joint situational awareness among the police departments.

“With the three police departments working more closely together, we will be able to target surveillance activities and allocate police resources precisely where there is heightened perception of disorder and lack of safety. Visible foot patrols are a key tool. Surveillance will target areas where there are many young people," says Kiiskinen.

Video surveillance also has a role to play. Visible surveillance activities aim to increase citizens’ sense of safety and security in public areas.

“Passengers do appreciate the fact that safety is a priority in public transport. The presence of police and security guards enhances the feeling of security,” says Juhana Hietaranta, Head of Safety and Security at Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd.

Difficulties at shopping centres – substance abusers in worse shape than before

Shoplifting has become more commonplace across the entire Helsinki metropolitan area compared to last year, but the increase has been particularly sharp in Helsinki. By the end of November, the Helsinki Police Department had recorded 53% more petty thefts than in the same period last year (19,493 petty thefts in total, up by 6,780 from last year). In Eastern and Western Uusimaa, the increases have been 11% and 12% respectively.

Päivi Salonen, CEO of the Mall of Tripla, says the change has been dramatic over the past couple of years.

“There has been a worrying increase in the number of shoplifting and substance-abuse incidents across the retail sector and we are monitoring the situation closely. We have already taken steps to improve security and to work more closely with the authorities. The number of substance abusers may not have risen, but they are now in poorer health and behave more erratically. Various problems have piled up, and the range of means available to address the situation should be broad and based on cooperation between different parties,” Salonen says.

“In Helsinki, there is a group of about 50 shoplifters with a high crime rate. The cases of these perpetrators are bundled together, and charges are considered as a whole. This leads to a harsher punishment than for individual cases. About 10 members of the group can be considered highly prolific offenders. An agreement has been reached with the prosecutor to treat their offences as thefts,” says Senior Detective Superintendent Jari Illukka of the Helsinki Police Department.

A business restraining order would be one way to protect businesses and their staff from future disruptions. The government is expected to propose such a measure during 2026.

Young people need safe adults around them

There have now been two weekends of intensified joint surveillance. It has been carried out especially in places frequented by young people. The places where young people meet vary, but in winter they mainly gather in the shopping centres near the railway. Young people have praised the presence of the police.

“The message from young people is that they appreciate having safe adults around. During these initial weekends of surveillance, several situations could have escalated if we or the youth workers had not been there," says Kiiskinen.

The number of crimes committed by underage youths in Eastern Uusimaa is decreasing. In West Uusimaa, the number of robberies committed by minors has decreased, but assaults and crimes against life and health have increased.

The Helsinki police reported in August that the number of crimes committed by under-18s had decreased compared to last year, and the trend was particularly positive for robberies. The police, together with the City of Helsinki and the third sector, had succeeded in breaking the criminal cycle of young people.

“Now, the statistics for Helsinki have turned less favourable. After schools restarted in August, robberies and assaults by youth gangs, mainly composed of young people with an immigrant background, began in areas such as Alppipuisto and Malmi. A single victim could be attacked by up to ten people, and some of the attacks involved humiliation and video recordings. The investigations include aggravated robberies and aggravated assaults. The criminal case has about 40 suspects, mostly aged between 14 and 18,” says Detective Chief Superintendent Markku Heinikari at the Helsinki Police Department.

Drugs are also a daily occurrence in traffic

The Helsinki metropolitan area’s police departments also work closely on traffic enforcement. This is part of the basic work of every police officer in the field. The main risk factors in road accidents resulting in death or serious injury are speeding and substance abuse.

In the past year, the police have significantly increased the number of breathalyser and drug-screening tests throughout the Helsinki metropolitan area.

“This year, we will conduct breath tests on more than 200,000 drivers. This is 41% more than last year, says Chief Inspector Aapo Isoaho of Western Uusimaa police.

Enforcement work in which the police monitor people’s driving capabilities holistically has paid off. The number of offences of driving while intoxicated has increased by around 8%. Narcotics are now involved in a larger share of incidents of driving while intoxicated, and already half of such offences are caused by substances other than alcohol. Amphetamines are still the most important substances in cases of people driving while under the influence of narcotics, although cocaine and the increased use of alpha-PVP are also evident, especially in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

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Changes to the payment of fines, traffic penalty fees and other sanctions

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:14:00 GMT

As a result of the legislative amendment that will enter into force in Finland at the beginning of 2026, a fixed payment period will be removed from fines, traffic penalty fees and other sanctions imposed by the police. Moreover, all sanctions will be enforceable only when they are legally valid. From the point of view of the person who is sanctioned, this means that the obligation to pay does not begin until the fine or other sanction becomes legally valid.

The amendments to the Act on the Enforcement of a Fine and to the Act on the Imposition of a Fine and Petty Fine will enter into force on 1 January 2026. There will be changes to the payment and enforcement of fines, traffic penalty fees and other pecuniary sanctions, to the application of the fine procedure and to the monetary amount of crime victim surcharges.

The most visible change for a customer of administration is that the fine slip or any other decision document no longer contains a due date. This may seem confusing at first, because up to now the law has stipulated, among other things, that a fine or traffic penalty fee must be paid within 30 days of service.

From the beginning of 2026, the obligation to pay depends on whether the sanction is legally valid or not. The legal validity of a fine or other sanction refers to the final nature of the decision.

“A fine or other sanction becomes legally valid when a claim for its rectification or an appeal against it can no longer be made. If no appeal or claim for rectification is lodged against the sanction, it will become legally valid after the expiry of the appeal or rectification period, in other words 30 days after the decision was served,” says Chief Superintendent Konsta Arvelin of the National Police Board.

A fine can be paid right away

A fine, traffic penalty fee or other sanction can in practice be paid immediately after it has been served. However, the actual obligation to pay does not begin until the sanction becomes legally valid and the Legal Register Centre begins enforcement. If the sanction has not been paid in full by then, the Legal Register Centre will send a payment reminder for the amount that has not yet been paid, also indicating the due date.

“All pecuniary sanctions imposed by the police include instructions that provide more detailed information on payment, enforcement and appeal. Customers of administration should read the instructions they receive carefully and act according to them,” Konsta Arvelin points out.

In the future, the crime victim surcharge will be 60 euros

In addition to these changes, the amounts of crime victim surcharges will be increased. A crime victim surcharge is added to the fine if the most severe punishment for the offence is imprisonment. The purpose of crime victim surcharges is to secure the availability of the necessary support services for victims of crime. The amount of the crime victim surcharge imposed in the fine procedure is 60 euros if the offence was committed on 1 January 2026 or after it, but it is 40 euros if the offence was committed before the beginning of 2026.

Penal orders are abandoned

The conditions for the fine procedure will also be amended by removing the type of fine known as penal order. The use of the fine procedure always requires the consent of both the injured party and the suspect of the crime. Earlier, a suspect who refused the fine procedure may have been given a penal order, which the suspect could pay to give their consent retrospectively. As a result of this, it was possible to complete the case in the fine procedure without a court hearing.

“If the suspect does not consent to the fine procedure, the fine case will now be transferred immediately to the pre-trial investigation, which will be carried out by the police to the extent required by the consideration of charges,” Konsta Arvelin says.

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The use of alpha-PVP can be seen in road traffic

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:53:00 GMT

A total of 4,200 cases of driving while intoxicated were recorded between June and August. The share of driving under the influence of narcotics was approximately 32 per cent during the summer months. In October, narcotics cases accounted for 40 per cent of suspected cases of driving while intoxicated. The differences between different months are not great, but in the summer months, driving while under the influence of alcohol is more commonplace than at other times.

One hundred drivers drove under the influence of alpha-PVP

Based on queries made from the information systems of the police, in June to August last summer the police encountered more than 100 suspected offences of driving while intoxicated, which also included a suspicion of driving a vehicle under the influence of alpha-PVP. In most cases, however, alpha-PVP was not the only drug used by the driver of the vehicle.

In cases of driving while intoxicated related to alpha-PVP, the suspect is usually a male. In terms of age, the suspects represented a wide age range, from young people in their twenties to those almost 70 years of age. The average age was about 35 years. Drug addiction is not associated to issues such as any specific level of education, but a weak social status and a low level of education can be seen among those caught driving a vehicle under the influence of alpha-PVP. Moreover, as many as 85 per cent of drivers suspected of driving while intoxicated or seriously intoxicated during the summer with verified alpha-PVP in their blood did not have a valid driving licence.

The police supervise, refer users to substance abuse treatment and uncover drug crime

In addition to monitoring drug users occurring in traffic, the police also refer drug users to substance abuse treatment. Getting help for those suffering from drug addiction is in the interest of all of us.

The police endeavour to prevent the disadvantages and insecurity caused by alpha-PVP. In the summer, the police uncovered a major operation to manufacture and distribute alpha-PVP in Finland. Uncovering drug crime is one of the key ways of the police to prevent the harm caused by drugs in society.

There has been a continuous drug problem in Finland for years, and alpha-PVP is just the tip of the iceberg. It just makes the drug problem visible. There is no single solution to the problems caused by the drug. There is a need for multifaceted solutions, better exchange of information, legislative solutions, better services and changes in attitudes in society. It is also a question of attitudes; we need more understanding of the dangers of drugs. There is a great need for preventive work aimed at young people in particular, in an era when attitudes towards drugs have become more positive in Finland and internationally.

Read the blog by Analyst Mika Sutela and Assistant Police Commissioner Pasi Rissanen: The use of alpha-PVP can also be seen in road traffic

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Eastern Flank Summit will cause exceptions to traffic arrangements in Helsinki

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:30:00 GMT

The Police are responsible for the safety and security of the Summit and the related traffic arrangements.

The Summit may require temporary traffic arrangements and short traffic delays mostly in Helsinki. The Police will ensure the safety of the Summit and direct traffic if necessary.

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Police Suspect Homicide in Konala

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:55:00 GMT

Upon arrival, officers found a man in the apartment who later died from his injuries. Another man, also injured, was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Following a brief pursuit, several individuals were apprehended. At this stage of the preliminary investigation, they are suspected of being involved in the incident.

"The police are investigating the case as a homicide and attempted homicide involving a firearm. Further information regarding the case will be released as soon as it is deemed appropriate", says Detective Chief Inspector Tuomas Lindholm, who is leading the inquiry.

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