Two teens charged with attempted contract murder in Helsinki district court

Two 15-year-olds face charges of attempted murder and aggravated arson in Helsinki District Court, with prosecutors alleging the crimes were carried out as a paid contract, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The case involves a deliberate fire set in a Vantaa apartment building stairwell in December, which police say endangered residents’ lives. Authorities suspect the arson was commissioned as retaliation for a drug debt, with the teens allegedly recruited to carry out the attack for payment.

Investigators have linked the case to Swedish organised crime networks and a street gang operating in northern Helsinki.

The trial begins today in Helsinki District Court.