Police identify suspect and motive in midsummer cable sabotage

Police have identified and questioned a suspect in the deliberate cutting of fibre-optic cables that halted train traffic between Tampere and Seinäjoki on Midsummer Eve, Yle reports.

The suspect has denied committing a crime, said Jussi Luoto, the lead investigator and a detective chief inspector with Finland’s Central Criminal Police.

The case was transferred to the Central Criminal Police at the end of June because the motive was not initially known. Police now have an understanding of the motive, but Luoto said they could not disclose further details.

Police have found no indication of state involvement. Investigators also say they have established the sequence of events, including through an extensive review of surveillance footage from around the scene.

The case is being investigated as aggravated criminal damage.

Trains stopped on the main railway line between Tampere and Seinäjoki shortly after 6pm on Midsummer Eve. The fault was repaired only during the following night, causing several delays.

The scene was located between Tampere and Ylöjärvi.