Lapinlahti man sentenced for online scams and theft attempts

A man in his 30s from Lapinlahti received a suspended prison sentence for 64 offences, including online fraud and attempted aggravated theft, Yle reported. The North Savo District Court sentenced him to one year and four months in prison, suspended, and 40 hours of community service.

The man committed aggravated fraud by borrowing nearly 20,000 euros from an acquaintance over three years and repaying only a small part. He falsely claimed that his mother and his sister’s son had died and that he was due to receive inheritance money.

He also defrauded dozens of people by advertising items online that did not exist, including candle holders and sound cards.

In January 2025, he and a man in his 50s tried to break into two neighbouring homes in Lapinlahti. One attempt failed, while the other succeeded. The homes belonged to the younger man’s grandparents and mother. The pair intended to steal decorative glass balls and Moomin mugs from his mother’s home.

Police found the men hiding inside the mother’s home. One was under a blanket with a crowbar. Both wore ski masks and had gloves, headlamps and a knife with them.

The older man was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended, and 30 hours of community service. In addition to the two attempted aggravated thefts, his offences included growing cannabis and driving while intoxicated. The verdicts are not final.