Two 16-year-olds were robbed at knifepoint in Vantaa, a city bordering Finland's capital Helsinki. The incident occurred on Monday evening, October 27.
Police said two suspects forced the victims onto a northbound commuter train at Havukoski station. All four individuals exited at Koivukylä station, where the suspects led the teenagers into a nearby forest.
There, the assailants threatened the victims with a knife. They stole mobile phones, hats, a lightweight down jacket, a belt, and headphones.
Investigating Detective Sampsa Aukio stated the suspects then called one victim's father from the stolen phone. They demanded €1,000 as payment for a fabricated drug debt.
After this, the victims managed to escape by running from the scene. Police soon located two individuals matching the description who had joined a larger group.
One suspect attempted to flee on foot but was caught after a chase. The other remained at the scene and was detained.
Both suspects were taken to Vantaa police prison. The main suspect, a 25-year-old man, has been formally arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery and aggravated extortion.
The second suspect is being investigated for the same crimes. Police determined his involvement was minor enough that formal arrest wasn't necessary.
This violent robbery targeting teenagers reveals concerning patterns in suburban crime. Authorities are investigating a separate robbery that occurred in Korso, Vantaa, on Saturday, October 25.
In that incident, three approximately 13-year-old boys were robbed through violent threats. A 16-year-old youth has been arrested as the suspected perpetrator.
Eastern Uusimaa Police are handling both cases as they continue their investigations into these serious crimes against minors.