Police suspect pro-Palestinian group of aggravated vandalism at defence ministry

Finnish police have completed a preliminary investigation into aggravated vandalism at the defence ministry building in Helsinki, Yle reports.

The incident occurred in June last year, when several individuals allegedly smeared the building on Eteläinen Makasiinikatu with red paint. A group calling itself Palestine Action Finland claimed responsibility on social media, stating it had also targeted other buildings in the capital region.

Damage from the incident amounted to tens of thousands of euros. The defence ministry’s main building, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, is part of the protected and culturally significant Guard Barracks complex.

Police are investigating a total of three cases of aggravated vandalism and three of vandalism linked to the group. Other reported targets included buildings belonging to Patria, Allianz, and Nammo.

Eight individuals are suspected of involvement in the group’s activities and the vandalism offences now under consideration for prosecution. Three people were detained during the investigation.