Police link Espoo robbery series to gang-style activity

More than 20 robberies in Espoo may be linked to group-based, gang-style activity, Western Uusimaa Police said, according to Yle.

The robberies took place in different parts of the city, particularly Espoonlahti and Kilo. Victims were attacked as they arrived for prearranged transactions, often drug deals arranged through an app.

Police said victims were threatened with machetes in several cases. Some were cut with bladed weapons, and a few were seriously injured. A suspected aggravated assault in Espoo Centre and a suspected attempted manslaughter in Kilo last week are also part of the investigation.

Police have identified more than 10 suspects aged 15 to 22. The robberies were carried out by groups whose members varied. Several suspects are in custody, subject to enhanced travel bans or facing child welfare measures, police said. The victims have often come from outside Espoo, while police said the suspects share an immigrant background and several have extensive criminal records despite their young age.

Police have increased patrols in the most active parts of Espoo and are investigating with the Helsinki Police Department’s street gang investigation team.