Two 15-year-olds charged with attempted murder in Vantaa arson case

Prosecutors have formally charged two 15-year-olds with attempted murder, aggravated arson, and serious drug offences in connection with a December explosion and fire in Vantaa’s Korso district, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The blaze, allegedly sparked by drug debts, completely destroyed an apartment building, though no injuries were reported.

Helsinki police suspect the teens were recruited to set the explosive fire in the building’s stairwell as retaliation for unpaid drug debts. Seven individuals—three of them minors—have been detained in the case. A third 15-year-old faces charges of serious drug crimes, while two adults are accused of aiding the arson. Three other adults face charges related to the broader criminal operation.

Investigators believe the arson was meticulously planned, with the recruited teens promised thousands of euros for their involvement. Markku Juurikkamäki, the lead detective, told Yle in early March that this marks the first known case in Finland where minors have been enlisted for crimes of this severity. Several suspects have ties to a North Helsinki street gang, and the crimes are linked to organised criminal activity.

The trial is set to begin on 9 April in Helsinki District Court.