Police Send Vandalism Case Involving Ministry of Defence Building to Prosecutors
Finnish police have completed their pre-trial investigation into a series of vandalism incidents linked to the group Palestine Action Finland, forwarding the case to prosecutors for consideration of charges. The offences include the defacement of a protected Ministry of Defence building in Helsinki, as well as attacks on properties belonging to defence and financial sector companies.
The most prominent incident occurred on 7 June 2024, when the group smeared pink paint on the Ministry of Defence’s main building on Eteläinen Makasiininkatu, near Kasarmitori. The structure, designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel, is part of the Kaartin Kasarmi complex, a protected and culturally significant site. Iltalehti and Ilta-Sanomat report that repairing the damage cost tens of thousands of euros.
Palestine Action Finland claimed responsibility for the act on Instagram, stating it had also targeted other locations in Helsinki and Vantaa. According to police, the group’s additional acts of vandalism included attacks on buildings belonging to defence contractor Patria, ammunition manufacturer Nammo, and financial services firm Allianz. Yle notes that these incidents took place between summer and early autumn of 2024.
The police investigation covers three counts of aggravated criminal damage and three counts of basic criminal damage. Eight individuals are suspected of involvement, with three held in custody during the preliminary inquiry before being released. Iltalehti and Ilta-Sanomat confirm that all suspects are now under consideration for charges.
The case marks the conclusion of a year-long investigation into politically motivated property damage in the capital region.
