Mother of Iitti murder suspect sentenced to over five years for drug and money laundering crimes

A 42-year-old woman, the mother of a teenage boy accused of murder in Iitti, has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison for 13 offences, including aggravated drug crimes and money laundering, Yle reports.

The Päijät-Häme District Court ruled that the woman planned to fund an escape abroad with her son—who is suspected of murder—by selling amphetamine. Police uncovered the crimes after arresting the boy in connection with a homicide investigation.

The most serious charge was aggravated drug trafficking, involving over 1,000 grams of amphetamine found in an office space the woman had rented in Lahti. Authorities estimated the drugs could have been processed into approximately 1.3 kilograms of amphetamine. Court documents state the woman admitted handling the drugs and intended to sell them to finance the escape.

She was also convicted of aggravated money laundering after attempting to smuggle €20,000 in cash abroad. The money, vacuum-sealed and hidden in luggage, was discovered in her vehicle. The court dismissed her claim that the funds were personal savings, noting she had no documented income or business activity.

Two other men were convicted in related cases. A 50-year-old man received four years and three months for his role in the drug operation, while a 33-year-old was sentenced to two years and seven months for possessing nearly 340 grams of amphetamine intended for sale.

The verdict is not yet final and may be appealed to the Court of Appeal.