Two 14-year-old girls admit to setting six arson fires in Turku

Two 14-year-old girls suspected of setting six fires in Turku’s Uittamo district have confessed to the crimes, Southwest Finland Police announced Tuesday, Yle reports.

The girls, who cannot face criminal prosecution due to their age, are suspected of deliberately starting fires between October and February. A 14-year-old boy is also under investigation for two of the incidents. All three minors have admitted involvement.

“They have expressed regret for their actions,” said Juhani Malmberg, lead investigator and police commissioner. While the exact motive remains under investigation, abandoned buildings and peer encouragement appear to have played a role, he added.

The suspects face charges including aggravated vandalism and destruction of property. Under Finnish law, minors under 15 cannot be held criminally liable but may still be ordered to pay compensation. Tatu Hyttinen, assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Turku, explained that courts assess reasonable compensation based on the minor’s age and development.

“Parents are not automatically responsible for their children’s damages,” Hyttinen clarified, though he noted that compensation amounts could be adjusted or reduced. Public and private property claims may be treated differently.

The total financial impact of the fires is still being determined. Malmberg said the final compensation sum will depend on how affected parties proceed with claims. Hyttinen also noted that unpaid compensation debts eventually expire under Finnish law, allowing individuals to move forward.