A reindeer owner in Finnish Lapland faces investigation for allegedly staging the deaths of 13 reindeer. Police say the animals were arranged to look like predators killed them.
The owner reported in May that predators had killed the reindeer. Rural authorities later determined all claims were unfounded.
Officials found the scene had been fabricated. The carcasses actually consisted of loose reindeer skins and limbs brought from elsewhere. No predator tracks were discovered at the location.
Rural authorities filed a criminal report about the incident.
Police are investigating the case as aggravated attempted fraud. The owner could have received approximately €20,000 in compensation for predator killings. No payments were made because authorities rejected the claims.
The suspect has denied the allegations. The case now moves to prosecutors for consideration of charges.
Reindeer herding is a traditional livelihood in Arctic regions where owners receive compensation for animals killed by protected predators. This case highlights ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and reindeer herders' economic realities.
Authorities appear to be taking a strong stance against potential compensation fraud, particularly given the substantial amount involved.