Man from Varkaus suspected of nearly €200,000 in fraud

A middle-aged man from Varkaus is suspected of attempting to obtain construction equipment, food, services, and money through fraud, with total damages nearing €190,000, according to an investigation by Yle.

Eastern Finland Police have completed a preliminary investigation into a series of fraud offences committed in the Keski-Savo region between 2021 and 2025. The suspect, a middle-aged man from Varkaus, allegedly targeted both businesses and private individuals.

The fraud involved attempts to acquire various goods and services, including construction machinery, tools, food supplies, and direct bank transfers. Most of the offences took place in Varkaus, though victims were also identified in Pieksämäki, Rantasalmi, and other parts of Eastern Finland through online transactions.

Two additional individuals were questioned in connection with some cases, but their involvement is believed to be minor. The total financial loss to victims amounts to nearly €190,000, though a portion of the illicit gains has since been recovered.

Detective Inspector Satu Sepä told Yle that police traced the suspect following reports filed by victims. The case, comprising 12 separate investigation records, includes charges of aggravated fraud, aggravated embezzlement, identity theft, accounting fraud, and attempted fraud. Prosecutors will now review the evidence to decide whether to press charges.