Lapua human trafficking trial enters second day as victim testifies

The trial of two people accused of aggravated human trafficking and aggravated extortion continued for a second day in South Ostrobothnia District Court on Thursday, with the alleged victim giving testimony.

Prosecutors are seeking 3.5 years’ imprisonment for a man and a woman, both born in the 1990s, who deny the charges. The pair are accused of exploiting a male neighbour in Lapua by taking control of his bank card and phone, forcing him to withdraw and borrow money, steal, and deliver packages claimed to contain drugs.

The prosecution alleges the defendants took advantage of the victim’s vulnerable position and alcohol dependency. The defence maintains the victim spent time with them voluntarily and that the accused provided him with food and transport. They deny confiscating his phone or bank card.

A screen was installed in the courtroom to prevent the victim and defendants from seeing each other. The trial, which began on Tuesday, required an additional day after witness testimony took longer than expected.