Four Finnish citizens have been charged with training to commit terrorist crimes by the Deputy Prosecutor General of Finland. According to the prosecutor’s statement, the individuals held racist beliefs and were understood to be preparing for an armed conflict between ethnic groups. The charges levied against them include manufacturing firearms and narcotics and training personnel in the manufacture and use of said weapons.
The preliminary investigation was carried out by the Häme Police Department and the Central Criminal Police showed that the suspected offenses occurred between 2022 and 2023 in the Lahti area of Finland. The investigation was initially related to a suspected firearms crime, but later broadened to encompass terrorism as further evidence emerged. All four suspects were captured in 2022, though they were subsequently released from pretrial detention. One of the suspects was later recaptured in March 2023 due to reports of continued criminal activity after release.
The suspects are believed to be affiliated with Neo-Nazi beliefs, forming an extreme right-wing group. They are reported to have manufactured weapons through 3D printing. Notably, the police during their investigation seized four 3D-printed firearms, three cannabis growers, numerous 3D-printed gun components, and more than 1,500 cartridges suitable for the manufactured weapons. Crime Commissioner Tuomas Kuure elaborated on the group’s intention. Based on the group’s discussions, the individuals planned attacks on specific racial groups and those carrying certain beliefs. Moreover, they intended to assault city infrastructure, including electricity networks and rail traffic.
Following the investigation, the Public Prosecutor’s Office submitted the charges to the Päijänne-Tavastland District Court on Thursday for further action.
For more information, please see the full report at Jurist.