Police investigate year-long abuse allegations at Finnish care home for people with disabilities

Finnish police are investigating suspected crimes—including assault, dereliction of duty, and defamation—at a residential care unit for people with developmental disabilities in Kajaani, with allegations spanning over a year, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Kainuu Welfare Region’s Rajamiehentie unit is at the center of the probe after staff were accused of treating residents “inappropriately.” Authorities launched a preliminary investigation last week, though details of the alleged misconduct remain undisclosed.

Detective Chief Inspector Kimmo Tuulenkari, leading the inquiry, stated the suspected offenses may have occurred from early 2025 until March of this year, though the timeline could be refined as evidence is gathered. “One of our key tasks is to determine exactly when these incidents took place,” Tuulenkari said.

The investigation is in its early stages, with police working to identify potential suspects, victims, and witnesses. Multiple individuals are believed to be involved, but neither police nor the welfare region have provided specifics about the nature of the allegations. The welfare region has deferred all comments to law enforcement.

Tuulenkari described the case as “challenging,” emphasizing the need to establish what occurred and who participated in individual incidents.