Police investigate alleged human trafficking in Kainuu involving vulnerable victim

Police suspect that a homeless man was coerced into working at a horse stable in Kainuu. Authorities believe the vulnerable victim was not only exploited but also forced into committing crimes through threats and violence. The stable work was allegedly performed without a proper employment contract or fair pay, while the victim also suffered physical abuse.

At least two men from Kainuu are suspected of the crime. The younger of the two was detained in June on suspicion of human trafficking. According to reports, the charges have intensified as the investigation progresses and are now being treated as aggravated human trafficking.

The suspicion arose when police began investigating a serious fraud case in Kajaani earlier in June. Police state that the suspects took advantage of the victim’s dependent status and unsafe situation, allegedly exploiting him for roughly six months. During this time, the victim was purportedly forced to work without proper compensation, open bank accounts, and even establish a construction company.

It is believed the victim’s personal information was used to facilitate crimes, and he was instructed to empty a relative’s bank account or risk being harmed himself. The police have indicated that the victim was subjected to physical violence in various instances and was even threatened with being shot.

The investigation is being handled by the Oulu police. The lead investigator, Kimmo Tuulenkari, has not commented on new information related to the criminal suspicions or the ongoing preliminary investigation.

New details regarding the case emerged from applications for restraining orders processed by the Kainuu District Court. The police had previously imposed temporary restraining orders against two suspects, which have since been lifted by the court due to insufficient grounds for such measures. Currently, the younger suspect is in custody for human trafficking allegations, while the other is incarcerated for different charges. Both men have strongly denied the allegations.