Court resumes human trafficking case against Pan Yilei in Lappeenranta

The South Karelia District Court convened today to continue the handling of a human trafficking case that had been suspended for nearly three years. The defendant is Pan Yilei, a well-known restaurant entrepreneur from Lappeenranta, who denies any wrongdoing.

The court proceedings have faced multiple delays due to the inability of the victim and witnesses, residing in China, to travel for hearings. However, the victim was present in court today. The atmosphere remained calm as simultaneous interpreters translated the proceedings for both the accused and the victim.

The prosecution is calling for a sentence against Pan Yilei for human trafficking involving a single victim. He is the CEO of Kolme Kiveä Ravintolat, Lappeenranta’s largest private restaurant operator, which has faced scrutiny concerning this case since May 2024. According to prosecutors, Yilei deceived a Chinese man into purchasing a €100,000 stake in his business to enhance the man’s chances of securing an extension for his residence permit in Finland, with events occurring between 2014 and 2016.

The prosecution claims Yilei exploited the man’s vulnerable situation, offering him work and taking control over him, resulting in the victim working six or seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM at minimal pay and without the opportunity to integrate into Finnish society or learn about his rights as a worker. The victim’s employment ended in 2016, and he returned to China, where his application for a residence permit extension was denied in 2017.

In contrast, the defense contends that the prosecution’s claims are unfounded, asserting that the victim suffered no financial harm and received fair compensation and free accommodation. The case will continue over four days this week, with the prosecution seeking an 8-10 month suspended prison sentence for Yilei.