Police refer 15 Espoo sexual offence cases for prosecution review

Yle reports that Western Uusimaa Police have completed their preliminary investigation into 15 suspected sexual offences in Espoo, with the cases now moving to prosecutorial consideration.

The offences were investigated as aggravated sexual assault, attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment. One man is suspected in the cases, and he has denied the allegations during the investigation.

According to police, the cases share the pattern of the suspect following women who had used public transport. The women had travelled home from the Iso Omena shopping centre or from elsewhere along the metro line.

The alleged offences took place after the women got off public transport, such as a bus, usually late in the evening. The victims were young women who did not know the suspect beforehand.

The alleged offences occurred between March 2025 and May 2026.