Authorities Investigate Unusual Case of Steam Locomotives Removal in Haapamäki, Finland

Authorities in Central Finland are investigating an unusual case involving the unauthorized removal of steam locomotives from the Haapamäki Steam Locomotive Park, leading to their sale for scrap. Approximately a week ago, a crime report was filed, and police are treating the matter as an aggravated embezzlement case. Additionally, serious property damage charges may be added as the investigation unfolds.

According to police, the locomotives are owned by VR, Finland’s national railway company, and were taken without permissions. Reports indicate that two trams, owned by private individuals, were also sent to the scrapping facility. The identity of the suspects and the individual who filed the report have not been disclosed. Investigators are working to establish ownership of the vehicles through interviews and the collection of evidence.

Local enthusiasts noticed the missing locomotives and reported the situation to the Finnish Railway Museum. Tiina Lehtinen, the museum’s director, communicated the issue to VR, which admitted to being aware of the scrapping. VR officials stressed the immediate halt of these unauthorized activities.

Valuable parts from these steam locomotives, particularly the TR1 models (also known as Risto locomotives), could be worth hundreds of thousands of euros, according to Lehtinen. She explained that while they may not be unique, their components hold significant value due to restoration efforts by Finnish enthusiasts.

The Haapamäki Steam Locomotive Park, opened in 1988, is recognized as the world’s largest of its kind and is privately owned. Last summer, an inspection confirmed that all of VR’s locomotives were still present.