Former police officer under investigation for sexual offenses in Helsinki

A former police officer from the Helsinki police department is under investigation for sexual offenses and an additional abuse of office, as confirmed on Thursday by special prosecutor Jonna Ryynänen. The case involves a total of eight reports that encompass various criminal charges and timeframes, primarily relating to sexual crimes, while the former officer is also suspected of misconduct in office.

According to Ryynänen, the suspicion of misconduct is linked to the other alleged offenses. Additionally, one report includes a woman not associated with law enforcement. In April, the East Uusimaa District Court addressed a seizure related to this woman, who is suspected of severe sexual exploitation of a child lasting nearly eight years. The alleged offenses occurred from the beginning of 2016 until October of last year.

Ryynänen noted that some of the offenses are associated with an eight-year timeframe, while others are shorter. Currently, there are seven victims involved, all minors at the time the alleged incidents occurred. Ryynänen stated that there are no indications that the investigation is expanding or that new victims are emerging.

The offenses reportedly took place in Southern Finland, both physically and through various communication methods. In January, Iltalehti reported that the investigation began when the mother of an underage girl found sexual messages on her daughter’s phone, sent by a police figure known from television. According to Iltalehti, the former officer has appeared on a police reality TV show. The Helsinki police confirmed in February that he had worked at the department but resigned before any administrative proceedings began.