Finnish police investigate seven suspects in arson attack on Helsinki bike shop

Finnish police have expanded their investigation into the arson attack on a bike shop in Helsinki’s Lauttasaari district, now suspecting seven individuals of involvement, Yle reports. Two minors remain in pre-trial detention, while others are believed to have played supporting roles in the crime.

The fire, which completely destroyed the ground-floor bike shop in a residential building, is being treated as a contracted arson. Investigators confirm the suspects—both previously known to police—admitted during questioning that financial gain was their primary motive.

Authorities have dismissed speculation linking the attack to the shop’s connection with Your Finnish Friends, a pro-Ukraine association that shares the same address. “Based on the suspects’ statements, there is no indication of a Ukraine-related motive,” said Masi Puolakka, lead investigator and detective superintendent with Helsinki Police. He emphasized that those who carried out the act may not have been aware of the broader context, describing them as “easily replaceable” within the criminal operation.

The investigation is expected to take months due to international ties, though Puolakka declined to elaborate. While the arson itself was “straightforward,” identifying those who commissioned it remains complex. Damage estimates suggest each of the two detained minors could face hundreds of thousands of euros in restitution if held solely liable—though Puolakka noted shared responsibility among multiple parties would ease the burden.

Police remain confident the masterminds behind the attack will be identified. Pre-trial detention for the minors is under continuous review, with Puolakka acknowledging the higher threshold for detaining juveniles compared to adults.