Finland’s national bureau of investigation probes large-scale reindeer thefts in Lapland

Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) is examining an extensive reindeer theft network in Lapland for the first time, with local community leaders among the suspects, Yle reports.

The thefts, described as an open secret in the region, have persisted for years, with stolen reindeer butchered and sold across northern Finland. Some meat may have even reached local shops in Finland and Norway, though health violation charges in one case expired due to procedural delays.

In April–May, a separate case involving three individuals accused of aggravated theft and forgery—linked to altered ear markings on reindeer in Utsjoki’s Paistunturi herding district—will go to trial. Over 20 reindeer owners are listed as injured parties, with suspects partially admitting to the crimes during pretrial investigations.

Police attribute the low reporting rates to a longstanding local practice of resolving disputes privately, without authorities. Many victims also doubt investigations will succeed if the culprit or stolen animal is untraceable.

The KRP’s ongoing probe, spanning multiple herding districts, includes allegations of money laundering, poaching, and animal cruelty. Investigators have conducted raids, seizures, and wiretaps, amassing nearly 1,000 pages of pretrial material. The suspected crimes date back to at least 2015, with arrests made in Inari, Utsjoki, and Näätämö last year.

Lapland police statistics reflect the challenge: only 26 reindeer-related thefts were investigated in the past decade, half of which were dropped—often due to unresolved conflicts or lack of evidence.