Teenagers to be questioned in court over Vantaa arson attack linked to drug debt

The Helsinki District Court will hear testimony on Monday from two teenage boys accused of carrying out a December arson attack in Vantaa’s Korso district, public broadcaster Yle reports.

Prosecutors allege the boys, who were 15 at the time, were paid by an adult based abroad to set fire to an apartment building where a target of debt collection was believed to be staying. The suspected motive involves unpaid drug debts.

Both face charges including attempted murder and aggravated destruction of property. One defendant admits to the arson but denies attempted murder, while the other denies all charges.

Prosecutors are seeking unsuspended prison sentences. The fire took place on December 17, 2025.