Espoo courthouse in Kilo, Espoo.
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A man is suspected of luring women to Finland with false promises of marriage, residency permits, and employment before subjecting them to sexual and labour exploitation, police have confirmed.
The National Bureau of Investigation’s human trafficking unit has concluded its investigation into the case, which involved a total of 16 victims and offences committed between 2019 and 2024. The suspected offences took place in Espoo and Kirkkonummi, with a total of 15 individuals under suspicion.
The primary suspect is a 44-year-old man who, according to police, contacted women abroad using social media platforms such as Tinder and Facebook. He presented himself as a wealthy businessman in search of a long-term relationship.
“He promised women marriage, family life, employment in his company and residency in Finland,” said Detective Chief Inspector Hannu Kortelainen in a statement.
The man reportedly sent potential victims a list of requirements for a partner, detailing expectations regarding appearance, domestic responsibilities, and knowledge of Finnish culture.
Police allege the suspect exploited the women both sexually and economically. Victims, mainly from African and South American countries, were coerced into performing sexual acts, some of which were filmed by the suspect and his acquaintances.
The man is suspected of using employment contracts and residency applications to exert control over the women. In some cases, contracts were also drawn up for the victims’ relatives. He is also alleged to have created debt obligations related to travel and accommodation costs, deepening the victims’ dependence on him.
“He manipulated the victims into a position of subordination using economic and legal pressures,” said Kortelainen.
Police believe the man operated residential construction businesses in Espoo despite being under a business ban until 2021. He is also suspected of fraudulently claiming tens of thousands of euros in unemployment benefits during this time.
The criminal investigation includes charges of four counts of aggravated human trafficking, ten counts of human trafficking, and a number of sexual and financial crimes.
International cooperation was required to investigate other suspects linked to the case. According to police, authorities in several European countries provided assistance.
The main suspect has a criminal history. He was sentenced in 2016 by the Oulu District Court to over two years in prison and banned from business operations for five years due to offences linked to two construction firms. He was also previously convicted of drink-driving in 2005.
The case will now be referred to prosecutors.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
