Police suspect trafficking of 11 Thai forestry workers

Police suspect that 11 Thai nationals were victims of human trafficking while doing forestry work in eastern Finland in 2024, Yle reports. The employer is suspected of misleading them about wages and working conditions and exploiting their dependent position.

Police also suspect the employer threatened to have the workers sent back to Thailand if they spoke to authorities about their employment. The workers had paid a fee to get jobs in Finland, according to interviews conducted by police.

The Eastern Uusimaa Police Department, which is investigating the case, is nearing the completion of its preliminary investigation. Officers have carried out searches and made arrests in Eastern Uusimaa and eastern Finland.

Police learned of the case after the workers told a victim support service about their situation. In addition to interviewing the 11 complainants and three suspects through interpreters, police have questioned several witnesses. The investigation has also involved cooperation with other authorities, including the Finnish Immigration Service and the Border Guard.