Neo-Nazi group suspected of terrorism in Kankaanpää faces trial in Finland

According to police, a neo-Nazi group suspected of terrorism in Kankaanpää was organized and ideologically motivated, maintaining group discipline through violence. The ongoing trial has revealed investigative materials suggesting that the police suspected the group of acquiring weapons and explosives to prepare for terrorist acts. Potential targets included the Niinisalo reception center in Kankaanpää.

In the spring of 2019, a witness alerted police about a now 28-year-old man who had claimed to have obtained explosives with other suspects to blow up the reception center. Police also discovered videos on the suspect’s computer showing three men posing in front of a Nazi flag, which the suspect insisted were part of his personal art project.

The investigation that led to terrorism allegations began unexpectedly in August 2019 when a man, suspected of drunk driving and drug offenses, had images of shooting with weapons found on his phone. This prompted police to conduct searches at the homes of individuals depicted in the images.

Remarkably, nearly 90 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, a regulated fertilizer, was found under the bed of a 29-year-old suspect. Following further investigations, police found materials indicating an interest in occultism and admiration for known far-right terrorists among some members of the group, particularly the 28- and 29-year-olds, who were deeply involved in violent far-right ideology.

The investigation expanded after a witness came forward in February 2021, alleging plans to detonate the reception center, which the police deemed credible despite denials from the suspected group members. Two men, aged 28 and 29, now face charges related to terrorism, while three others do not face terrorism-related charges due to lack of evidence for a terrorist motive.