Helsinki court begins trial of teens accused of arson and attempted murder over drug debts

The Helsinki District Court begins proceedings Monday in an unusual case involving two 15-year-olds charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, and serious drug offenses, public broadcaster Yle reports.

Prosecutors allege the teens deliberately set fire to an apartment building stairwell in Vantaa’s Korso district last December as retaliation for unpaid drug debts. The blaze caused extensive damage but no injuries.

According to police, the minors were promised thousands of euros to carry out the attack, marking the first known case in Finland where children have been recruited for such serious crimes. Investigators also linked the suspects to a large-scale drug operation, uncovering roughly 15 kilograms of amphetamine and over €10,000 in cash during a raid on a nearby apartment used for storage and distribution.

Authorities believe the crimes are connected to a North Helsinki street gang and were committed as part of organized criminal activity. The trial is ongoing, with Yle providing live updates.