A 39-year-old father stands accused of serious crimes including five aggravated rapes and six basic form rapes. The charges also include two counts of sexual coercion and two assaults. Only the extortion charge related to the same case remains public.
Court documents reveal the man allegedly demanded over 10,000 euros from a fellow cult member. He claimed the victim had cursed his air source heat pump. The man insisted on payment before allowing the victim's wife and children to return home.
The accused holds a leadership position in a religious sect according to prosecutors. They describe his religious control over followers as exceptional. The man denies all charges through his legal representative.
This case connects to earlier convictions for child abduction. The couple kidnapped their own child from a child protection facility in Ulvila. They later fled abroad and were located in Norway.
During their escape, the family gave interviews to media outlets. The father submitted documents showing authorities had concerns about his growing religious control over his family. The documents indicated his religious views included polygamous relationships.
The man claims his family previously belonged to a Branhamite religious sect. He states the criminal suspicions only emerged after his family left the group.
Three adult victims have come forward regarding crimes that occurred in the Kanta-Häme region. The offenses took place over a two-year period before the child abduction case.
Messages revealed during the investigation show disturbing communication patterns. The man blames the victim for their relationship with mammon, material goods and worldly possessions. Yet he simultaneously demands financial compensation for his allegedly cursed heat pump.
The victim transferred money in two separate payments. One payment included the memo payment for cursing the air source heat pump. The accused remained completely silent during his own police interrogation. He answered no questions about the extortion or threats.
Defense counsel called the extortion charge imaginative in Kanta-Häme District Court. The defense offered no comment on the undisputed messages or bank transfers.
Most court proceedings and pretrial materials remain completely secret. Authorities have classified large portions of the case documents.
The situation highlights concerns about religious cults operating in Finland. This case shows how spiritual leaders can exploit their authority over followers. The combination of sexual violence allegations and financial exploitation paints a troubling picture.
Finnish authorities face challenges investigating closed religious communities. The secrecy surrounding this case demonstrates the difficulties in uncovering truth within insular groups.
The district court will deliver its verdict later. The outcome could influence how Finland handles similar cases involving religious organizations and abuse allegations.