Finnish court toughens sentences in largest poaching case

The Eastern Finland Court of Appeals has tightened penalties in Finland’s largest poaching case, extending hunting bans for 18 defendants, with the longest now ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 years.

The court also imposed hunting bans on two additional men for aggravated poaching offenses. Three others, previously acquitted by the district court, were convicted of aggravated poaching, while one accomplice was sentenced to a suspended prison term and a hunting ban for aiding in the crime.

In another adjustment, the court replaced a fine with a suspended prison sentence for one defendant. Three others, convicted of basic poaching offenses, were also given hunting bans.

The appeals court overturned aggravated poaching charges against two men who had been convicted by the lower court.

The crimes occurred between 2019 and 2023, primarily in Lapinlahti and nearby municipalities. Poachers killed or injured protected animals, including wolves, wolverines, lynxes, and birds such as whooper swans. Police referred to the case as “Savukukko.”

The North Savo District Court initially handed down sentences in April 2025, convicting 26 men of various offenses while acquitting five others. The longest sentences from the district court included up to 1.5 years of suspended imprisonment and hunting bans of 2–3 years for four men.