Espoo man suspected of harassing and assaulting 15 women faces prosecution review
Police in Western Uusimaa have completed a preliminary investigation into a series of sexual offences in Espoo, with 15 cases now proceeding to prosecutorial review. The suspect, a man whose identity has not been disclosed, is accused of following and harassing women as they returned home late in the evening.
The alleged offences took place between March 2025 and May 2026, primarily targeting young women who had used public transport or visited the Iso Omena shopping centre. According to police, the suspect consistently trailed victims after they disembarked from buses or the metro, often near their homes. Iltalehti reports that the crimes include aggravated sexual harassment, attempted rape, sexual harassment, and sexual molestation.
The investigation began in May 2025 when police issued a public appeal for information, which led to the suspect’s identification. During questioning, the man has denied all allegations (Yle). The prosecutor will now determine whether the case will proceed to court.
Yle notes that the victims were previously unknown to the suspect, and the offences share a pattern of occurring after the women left public transport or the shopping centre. The police have not released further details about the suspect or the victims.
