Police completes investigation into child abduction case in Ulvila with suspects located in Norway

The Southwest Finland Police have completed the preliminary investigation into a child abduction that occurred in Ulvila in July. The alleged abduction took place on July 1, after which the children were taken from Finland to another country. Following directives from the prosecutor, the police issued international arrest warrants for the suspects and a search notice for the three minors.

The suspects and the children were located in Norway through international police cooperation. They were returned to Finland shortly after their capture. Two suspects, a man and a woman, are the parents of the children and are charged with child abduction and aggravated deprivation of liberty. The woman has also previously been suspected of serious sexual offenses.

The Southwest Finland Police report that the investigation revealed evidence indicating that the suspects had planned the abduction in advance. The police were able to establish a clear understanding of the events and the motive behind the crime during their inquiry.

According to Police Chief Anna Kivimäki, the suspects had previously rented a camper van in southwestern Finland, which they used to pick up the children in Ulvila. The journey then continued to Tornio and across the border into Sweden and Norway, where police subsequently apprehended them. The motive for the crime is related to confidential issues concerning child custody, making the details of the investigation confidential.

Based on the findings, the suspects are also linked to a previous case of unlawful child custody that involved the same minors earlier this year. The case has now been forwarded for prosecutorial review, and the police will not provide further information.