Police investigate ventilation fraud targeting nearly 100 households

Yle reports that police in Southwest Finland have detained two men suspected of defrauding nearly 100 households into buying expensive ventilation equipment and services. The suspected fraud targeted older people and others whose ability to assess and make decisions had been reduced.

The suspected crimes took place across almost all of southern Finland during 2025 and 2026. The combined proceeds are expected to exceed 100,000 euros.

Police suspect the men falsified indoor air measurements and used poor results to justify the need for costly equipment or servicing of existing systems. In many cases, victims were persuaded to pay substantial sums through fraudulent invoices.

The preliminary investigation has found that many of the victims did not realise they had been defrauded and did not report the matter to the authorities. Police believe there may be more victims than are currently known.

The two suspects are relatively young men. One has lived in the Turku region and the other in Jyväskylä.

Police say the men exploited older people’s concerns about the quality of the indoor air in their homes, persuading them to buy expensive equipment or services at exceptionally high prices.

“Not all salespeople who go door to door are acting dishonestly. However, police always recommend treating strangers who come to your home with some caution,” investigation leader Janne Berg, a detective chief inspector, said in a police statement.

Police recommend verifying the salesperson’s identity and employer. If a transaction involves even minor pressure or other unusual behaviour, the sale should be stopped.

The preliminary investigation is continuing. The case will be referred for consideration of charges later in the autumn.