Online sleuths join search for Antti Hanhivaara

Antti Hanhivaara disappeared in the wilderness near Angeli in Finnish Lapland in October 2006, and his family, police and volunteers are still searching for him. True-crime fans are now following the case online, Yle reports.

Hanhivaara’s last reported sighting was on the morning of October 14, 2006, when a man believed to be him was seen walking southwest from Angeli village towards the wilderness. His identity was not confirmed. Before that, Hanhivaara had spent time in Karigasniemi.

His sister Elina Hanhivaara was 16 when he disappeared. She and their brother Seppo have continued searching for him. Elina says the search has shaped much of her life. The siblings believe Antti was murdered, although Yle says it has not been able to verify her account of events from 20 years ago.

Police say the investigation has uncovered no grounds to suspect a crime. Current investigator Tapio Roininen says police have followed up on tips considered relevant and will continue to assess new information. Tips are still arriving.

In October, streamers Kristian Heiskari and Harri Eskola searched for clues during a live broadcast on the Kick platform. Viewers could follow the search around the clock, and the broadcast drew several thousand people at its peak.

Researcher Pauliina Tuomi says live broadcasts let viewers take part in discussing and trying to solve unresolved cases. But she warns that treating a real tragedy as entertainment can harm relatives and others, particularly when speculation is presented as fact.