Finnish court begins hearings on human trafficking allegations against Polarica Marjahankinta Oy in Lapland

The Finnish court in Lapland is set to begin hearings today regarding allegations of human trafficking involving one of Finland’s largest berry companies, Polarica Marjahankinta Oy. The accused include the company’s former CEO, Jukka Kristo, and his Thai business partner, Kalyakorn Phongpit. They face a total of 77 serious human trafficking charges, accused of subjecting Thai berry pickers to forced labor and degrading conditions across various locations in Finland in 2022. Both men deny the accusations.

For years, Thai workers have been used in Finland for berry picking, and reports of their exploitation and inhumane working conditions have surfaced periodically. However, this is the first time criminal charges of human trafficking have been filed. The charges relate to a record influx of approximately 4,000 Thai workers arriving in Finland in 2022.

The investigation by Finland’s National Criminal Police into human trafficking involving Thai workers has been notably extensive, conducted both domestically and in Thailand. Polarica is not the only company under scrutiny; similar accusations have been levied against another major berry firm, Kiantama, whose CEO Vernu Vasunta is also facing trial. The first preparatory session for Kiantama’s case occurred in Lapland’s district court in May, although the substantive trial has not yet commenced. Phongpit, the Thai business partner, is also implicated in that case, with sentences demanded for 62 counts of human trafficking.

Additionally, Janne Naapanki, the CEO of a third berry company, Arctic International, is under investigation for human trafficking. Corruption charges connected to the human trafficking allegations have also emerged. A trial in Helsinki from August to September involves three individuals, including Kristo, who faces charges of serious bribery, while government officials are under scrutiny for their roles in regulatory oversight.