Police investigate alleged sexual offenses at confirmation camp in Hamina

The police in Southeast Finland are investigating a case involving an adult man who is suspected of posing as a leader at a confirmation camp and committing sexual offenses against a minor. The alleged incident occurred during a confirmation camp organized by the parish of Hamina in early summer. The story was first reported by Ilta-Sanomat.

Following the incident, the accused individual was removed from the camp, and the event continued peacefully until its conclusion, according to Anna Kinnunen, the church rector of Hamina. Support and counseling were provided to the confirmation students both during and after the camping event.

Investigations have progressed, with Nina Hietanen, deputy chief of the investigation at the Southeast Finland police, stating that the act is being treated as sexual misconduct against a child. The police have not disclosed whether one or several minors were victims of the alleged offense. “The investigation is moving forward,” Hietanen noted.

Since the case involves underage individuals, the police will determine, as the investigation advances, whether to make details about the case public.

According to Kinnunen, the church was unaware of the man’s age who served as a leader until the matter was brought to light during the police investigation. She added that the parish will begin a review next week of the selection process for camp leaders. Leaders at these camps are typically young individuals who have previously attended the camp themselves. “Usually, leaders undergo training in the parish for one or two years, and they are typically familiar young people to our staff,” Kinnunen explained. She refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case while the police inquiry is ongoing.