Police uncover neo-Nazi group’s terrorist plans involving explosive attacks in Kankaanpää

According to the police, a suspected neo-Nazi group involved in terrorist crimes in Kankaanpää was organized and ideologically motivated, maintaining discipline even through violence. Newly released pre-trial materials reveal that police suspected the group of acquiring weapons, explosives, and training for terrorist activities. One potential target mentioned was the Niinisalo reception center in Kankaanpää.

In the spring and summer of 2019, a witness informed police that a 28-year-old man had allegedly acquired explosives with other suspects. The witness stated that the intention behind obtaining these explosives was to blow up the reception center.

The investigation into suspected terrorism crimes began inadvertently in August 2019 when photos of armed shootings were discovered in the phone of a man suspected of drunk driving and drug offenses. This led police to conduct home searches of individuals featured in the photos, uncovering alarming discoveries. Notably, nearly 90 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, a regulated explosive substance, were found under a 29-year-old man’s bed, along with weapons and ammunition.

As the investigation progressed, evidence suggested that at least some suspects held interests in occultism and idolized known right-wing terrorists. Police indicated that the 28- and 29-year-old men were deeply immersed in violent far-right ideology.

Overall, the investigation intensified after police interviewed the witness regarding plans to blow up the reception center in February 2021. Although the suspects denied such plans, police assessed that the intent behind these discussions indicated a desire to use a bombing as a means to inspire similar groups.

Currently, two men, aged 28 and 29, face charges of training for terrorism crimes, while the 28-year-old is also charged with an explosive offense with a terrorist intent. Both deny any association with the ideology described by the prosecution and contest allegations of planning violent acts.