Suspected arson commissioner remanded in custody in absentia

A man suspected of commissioning the arson attack on a bicycle shop in Lauttasaari, Helsinki, has been remanded in custody in absentia, Yle reported on Thursday. The Helsinki District Court suspects him of aggravated criminal damage.

Two boys, both aged 17 at the time of the offence, are charged with carrying out the arson in exchange for payment. Their case is still being heard by the district court.

Police suspect that three adult men who were abroad commissioned the attack. One of them was arrested earlier and is facing charges in court.

The two other suspects remain at large abroad. Yle has previously reported that one of them is a 21-year-old man.

The Helsinki District Court remanded a man described as his accomplice in custody on Thursday. According to Yle’s investigation, the man has a previous criminal record.

Police have described the case as an example of the “crime as a service” phenomenon, in which criminals use other people to carry out offences.

The bicycle shop burned down in Lauttasaari on March 3, 2026. The motive for the arson remains unclear. Police are continuing to investigate the suspected commissioners and are seeking to locate them abroad.