Police unveil large-scale fraud operation involving suspects in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa

The police have unveiled a large-scale fraud operation in which suspects deceived victims into transferring money to accounts controlled by them. The investigation involves the Helsinki Police Department, the Central Finland Police Department, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

The suspects conducted scam phone calls from residences in Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, posing as bank security experts and police officers.

In May, police launched their investigation based on their own intelligence work, leading to arrests at various locations in early June. Several suspects remain in custody. According to Helsinki Police’s Chief Detective Teemu Haapala, those arrested include both Finnish and foreign nationals.

The estimated financial damage incurred in Finland is approximately €360,000, of which the police managed to recover around €134,000. In related international offenses, the estimated losses exceed €1 million.

The police are currently examining the operations of an organized criminal group in the capital region prior to these arrests. A preliminary investigation is expected to be completed by December.