Helsinki police uncover cocaine trafficking operation involving 17 suspects from Turkey and Syria

The Helsinki Police’s Organized Crime Unit has uncovered a cocaine trafficking operation run by a criminal organization. According to preliminary investigations, this group imported and distributed dozens of kilograms of cocaine across the capital region over the past year. A café-restaurant located in the Puhos shopping center in Helsinki served as the core of their operations.

The suspects, primarily citizens of Turkey and Syria, number 17, with most still in custody. They are charged with serious drug offenses and money laundering. Law enforcement has confiscated approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from the group’s possession, and they are suspected of distributing nearly 30 kilograms overall. Investigations suggest this operation has been ongoing for several years.

Police suspect the cash generated from drug sales was partially funneled through the café-restaurant, where the proceeds were paid to drug distributors and other organizers as salaries. The suspects reportedly used the earned money to pay down mortgages, indicating an effort to mask the criminal income as legitimate.

Interestingly, although the café-restaurant appeared to be operational, investigators noted that those receiving salaries did not work there. Instead, they were distributing drugs from an apartment rented specifically for this purpose.

The group’s activities involved exploiting various individuals in vulnerable situations to carry out their illegal deeds, while those claiming to be leaders distanced themselves from responsibility. The investigation also included authorities from tax administration and regional government, which uncovered instances of illegal residency during searches of the restaurant.