Three reindeer herders accused of stealing dozens of reindeer by altering ear markings

Three local reindeer herders in Utsjoki, northern Finland, are on trial for allegedly stealing over 50 reindeer in May 2020 by cutting their own ownership marks into the animals’ ears, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Inari District Court began hearings on Monday in a case involving charges of aggravated theft and forgery. Prosecutors claim the trio altered ear markings and fur brands on several dozen reindeer, effectively claiming them as their own. The total value of the stolen reindeer is estimated at around €25,000.

While the suspects partially admitted to the acts during police questioning, all three deny the charges in court, including accusations of collaboration. One defendant suggested someone else had marked the reindeer with his signs, citing previous thefts of his own reindeer and ear tags.

In addition to cutting new ear markings, prosecutors allege the suspects painted their own symbols on the reindeer’s sides and replaced existing plastic ear tags with their own. The Paistunturi herding district is seeking compensation for reindeer that had to be slaughtered due to unidentifiable markings, as well as for lost breeding animals.

Some of the stolen reindeer belonged to Norwegian herding districts, with Norwegian herders also listed as injured parties. Several affected herders have reached private settlements with the accused and are not pursuing damages.

The trial is expected to last two weeks. Prosecutors are also considering charges in a separate, larger reindeer theft case investigated by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation.