Police find no evidence Äänekoski explosives case targeted people or groups

Police have found no evidence that a man suspected in an explosives and weapons case in Äänekoski was preparing a crime against any person or group, Yle reports. He has been released from remand detention.

The man was detained last week on suspicion of aggravated firearms offence, aggravated preparation of an offence against life or health, and an explosives offence.

Police said the investigation had not produced indications that he was planning an offence against a specific person or group. They are nevertheless continuing to investigate the suspected preparation of an offence against life or health. The final criminal classifications will be decided later.

According to police, the man appears to have built weapons and weapon parts for himself and manufactured gunpowder and explosives. No other suspects are linked to the offences under investigation.

The man stood as a parliamentary election candidate for the far right Sinimusta movement in the 2023 parliamentary elections. Police said the preliminary investigation had not shown that he was actively involved in far right activities. Sinimusta movement chair Tuukka Kuru said the man had not been active in the movement since his candidacy.

Police will next examine whether the weapons, weapon parts and cartridges found in the man’s possession function, and test the explosives and explosive materials.