Police uncover illegal firearms trafficking ring in Kouvola
Finnish police have completed a preliminary investigation into a series of serious firearms offences in Kouvola, uncovering what authorities describe as illegal firearms trafficking. Six individuals, all Finnish nationals aged between 35 and 40, are suspected of aggravated firearms offences, firearms offences, and drug-related crimes (Helsingin Sanomat, Yle).
During the investigation, police seized six firearms—including a pistol and a sawn-off shotgun—over 3,000 rounds of ammunition, licensed firearm components, and €78,500 in cash. The items were recovered from multiple private residences in Kouvola, as well as from a vehicle in a public place. According to Detective Chief Inspector Lauri Ristola, none of the suspects held permits for the possession or acquisition of firearms (Yle).
Ristola confirmed that some of the suspects are accused of selling firearms, while others are suspected of purchasing them. He also stated that police believe additional firearms remain unaccounted for, as new discoveries were made throughout the investigation. "The quantity of seized firearms, ammunition, and cash was significant," Ristola noted (Yle).
Case linked to drug investigation
The firearms offences came to light during a separate investigation into a serious drug crime in Kouvola. That case involved the cultivation of cannabis and the possession of a large quantity of amphetamine. In May, one offender was sentenced to six years and four months in prison for the drug offences (Helsingin Sanomat).
Under Finland’s amended firearms legislation, which took effect at the turn of the year, transporting a firearm in a public place now meets the criteria for a serious firearms offence (Helsingin Sanomat).
Some of the six suspects remain at liberty, while others are already serving prison sentences for unrelated offences. Ristola declined to specify how many of the suspects are currently free (Helsingin Sanomat).
The preliminary investigation has now concluded, and the case has been forwarded for prosecutorial review.
