Kotka factory site faces human trafficking investigation

Police suspect extensive human trafficking at a battery materials factory construction site in Kotka, Yle reports, prompting shock among local residents. The project was initially celebrated as an 800 million euro investment expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the region.

Police suspect that a large number of Chinese workers at the site may have been victims of labour trafficking. The site has had as many as 300 Chinese workers, some of whom speak no language other than Chinese.

Several people are suspected of crimes. Nine have been detained, and four are currently in pre-trial detention. Police say the investigation is likely to take a long time.

Resident Tuija Mykrä said she had heard about problems at the site but was surprised by the scale and seriousness of the allegations. Petri Skyttä, who lives next to the construction site, said the allegations were concerning and called for the case to be investigated thoroughly.

Ella Honkatukia said human trafficking may be more common than many people realise, while Thala Petersen said she had heard about trafficking in several fields, including restaurants. Petersen called for closer monitoring of how people come to Finland for work.

The factory owner, Easpring Finland New Materials, and staffing company Eezy say they are supporting and assisting authorities. The police investigation also concerns Eezy. Yle first reported problems at the site, including allegedly unlawful employment contracts and threats, in August.