Finnish authorities freeze assets of Pirkanmaa man suspected of terrorism-related offenses
Finnish authorities have frozen the assets of a man from Pirkanmaa, suspected of terrorism-related offenses. This individual allegedly sent fake bomb threats to the party offices of three political parties ahead of last year’s parliamentary elections. The incidents are under investigation as illegal threats made with terrorist intent. The asset freeze was enacted on September 6, based on counter-terrorism measures, and will remain in effect indefinitely.
The Central Criminal Police (KRP) completed the preliminary investigation into the fake bomb incidents in July. According to police, the threats sent to party offices were aimed at influencing the democratic electoral process and the actions of the involved parties. Reports indicate the suspect, born in 1980 and residing in Pirkanmaa, is denying the allegations and has also stated to media that he committed no crimes. The case is currently under consideration for prosecution.
The KRP maintains a list of individuals whose financial assets have been frozen for counter-terrorism purposes. In early September, this list did not yet include the Pirkanmaa man. The list may contain both individuals and organizations classified by the EU as terrorists or suspected of terrorism-related crimes in Finland. The freezing of assets means that the listed person cannot access funds, thereby preventing the use of those resources for terrorist acts or the planning of such acts. All assets are frozen except for essential expenses, such as food, housing, and healthcare costs.
Additionally, there had been previous surveillance of this suspect due to concerns over potential ritualistic murder, which arose during the broader terrorism investigation. The KRP suspects that the same individual also produced provocative and threatening materials related to the parliamentary elections on discussion forums between late 2022 and early 2023, leading to an added accusation of public incitement to commit a crime.