Police Warn of International Network Exploiting Young People Online
Finnish authorities have issued a warning about The Com, an international online network that manipulates children and young people into self-harm or violence. The West Uusimaa Police have conducted several preliminary investigations into the group, which targets vulnerable youth through social media and gaming platforms.
The Com operates by building trust with victims, often under the guise of a romantic or intimate relationship, before escalating to coercive and harmful behavior. Detective Chief Inspector Maria Hietajärvi (Iltalehti) states that suspects, typically operating from abroad, approach young people online and exploit their emotional vulnerabilities. Over time, conversations take a dark turn, with victims pressured into acts such as self-harm or cruelty toward animals.
According to police, victims are often young people with a strong need for belonging. The manipulation may begin with requests for personal information, which is later used to blackmail or coerce them. Some victims have been forced to carve symbols, numbers, or logos into their skin, while others have been directed to harm pets (MTV Uutiset, Iltalehti).
Signs of Involvement
Authorities highlight several warning signs that a young person may be entangled in The Com network:
- Self-harm or unusual markings: Victims may cut themselves in specific patterns or write disturbing symbols in notebooks or on walls.
- Hidden communication: Use of secret apps or restricted access to devices to conceal conversations.
- Extremist interests: Sudden fascination with violent ideologies, conspiracy theories, or occultism.
- Behavioral changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, or avoidance of family and friends (Iltalehti).
Police Call for Vigilance
Police urge parents and guardians to discuss the phenomenon with young people, emphasizing that threats, blackmail, or coercion are never part of a healthy relationship. Hietajärvi stresses that awareness can help prevent crimes and ensure victims receive support (Iltalehti).
While cases in West Uusimaa have so far been limited, authorities confirm the threat is real. They remind young people that there is no shame in seeking help if they feel pressured or unsafe (MTV Uutiset).