Trial begins in Oulu District Court over human trafficking of Chinese stoneworkers

A trial concerning the treatment of Chinese stoneworkers begins today in the Oulu District Court with a preparatory session. The case involves a quarry in the Oulainen, Pyhäjoki, and Merijärvi areas, where Chinese workers were employed. According to the prosecutor, 14 workers fell victim to human trafficking. Legal action is being taken against four individuals in relation to this case. A Chinese man residing in Oulainen is facing charges of human trafficking involving 14 victims, while three others are accused of aiding and abetting the crime. Of those three, two are Finnish and one is a citizen of China. Additionally, the prosecutor seeks a community fine against three companies.

The proceedings will commence today at 9 AM in Ylivieska, with Yle present to monitor the session. The investigation was initiated in May 2023 following a supervisory raid on the stone factory. Police previously reported that the workers were dependent on their employer and lacked awareness of their rights, with some employees incurring debts to the employer. Authorities assert that the workers were subjected to forced labor under inhumane conditions, particularly concerning their living arrangements. They resided in makeshift accommodations that were deemed hazardous to health, as the facilities were not suitable for habitation and had chemicals stored in them.

Workers were also exposed to cancer-causing stone dust at their workplace and during their leisure time, which entered their living quarters through their clothing due to a lack of separate changing facilities. The police allege that victims of the suspected human trafficking were intimidated with false information, particularly about healthcare costs, and access to medical care was also reportedly obstructed. The alleged crimes occurred between 2017 and 2023, with a total of seven individuals identified as suspects in the investigation, though two Chinese nationals remain untraceable as they are reportedly in China. All suspects have denied the allegations during police interrogations.