Catalyst converter thefts surge in eastern Finland with Kuopio hardest hit

Catalyst converter thefts have spiked sharply in eastern Finland this year, with nearly 50 reported cases—half of them in Kuopio alone, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Police suspect the thefts are linked to organised, mobile criminal groups, though individual offenders are also involved. The thefts began in Mikkeli in March before spreading to Kuopio and Siilinjärvi. Last year saw only 10 such incidents across the entire region.

Thieves target the devices for their valuable precious metals—platinum, palladium, and rhodium—which can be extracted and sold for recycling. Scrap dealers may pay up to €700 for a single converter. Police are collaborating with the Finnish Scrap Dealers’ Association to track suspicious sales and recover stolen units.

Owners of high-clearance vehicles are at particular risk, as converters are easier to remove from underneath. Police urge the public to report suspicious activity, noting that several arrests have already been made based on tips. Victims can file reports via the association’s website, including vehicle details to aid identification.