Owner of mid-sized construction firm arrested on suspicion of major drug offences

A prominent construction company owner in Vantaa was detained in January on suspicion of aggravated drug crimes, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The businessman, whose firm reported annual revenues exceeding €24 million, was released in February following a decision by the lead investigator. The arrest stems from alleged drug offences committed in Vantaa in January 2026, separate from a high-profile police raid on his property in September 2025.

Prosecutors are currently reviewing charges in both cases. The September raid—widely covered in media—uncovered suspected drug use, concealed goods, and firearms violations. The January investigation includes allegations of aggravated drug offences, aggravated endangerment of traffic safety, and concealment of stolen property.

The entrepreneur denies wrongdoing but issued a general apology via Yle for “any distress caused by my actions,” later clarifying he did not admit to the alleged crimes. His company, which has worked on major public projects including Helsinki’s Länsimetro, recently filed for corporate restructuring amid financial difficulties, citing exclusion from state contracts by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.

Police records and neighbour accounts describe the property as a known hub for drug activity and stolen goods. In 2025, the owner was fined for concealing a stolen e-scooter found on the premises. Previous searches yielded unlicensed firearms—resulting in suspended sentences—and counterfeit currency. One 2024 incident involved a suspect leaving the property with hundreds of euros’ worth of alpha-PVP, though charges were not pursued due to lack of evidence.

Neighbours report frequent disturbances, including a 2023 shootout near the property and intoxicated individuals loitering in the area. One local business owner, who requested anonymity, described encounters with “completely disoriented” people on his property, including two who attempted to force their way through a wooden fence.

Yle withheld the businessman’s name as charges remain under consideration. Police have conducted roughly 40 operations at the address over two years, though not all involve the owner directly. The property, described as luxurious, has housed both the owner and tenants. He claims to have moved out following the September raid.