The Helsinki Police Department arrested a 34-year-old man on suspicion of sexual offences against underage girls committed in the neighbourhood of Kannelmäki (in northwest Helsinki).
According to a press release issued Friday, the man is suspected of "harassing underage girls as well as women", with whom he tried to establish contact.
Police believe the most probable reason for that is "the pursuit of sexual contact." In some cases, the suspect has even touched, hugged or recorded the girls.
Alaikäisiin kohdistuneista seksuaalirikoksista epäilty otettiin kiinni – poliisi selvittää, onko tapauksia lisää https://t.co/rJwtwpLNPE
— Helsingin poliisi (@HelsinkiPoliisi) July 3, 2020
Police say they received several reports of the man's actions last fall and this year. At least four of them are now under investigation. Investigators are now asking residents of Kannelmäki and the surrounding area to report any similar cases they are aware of.
'Bushy black hair and beard'
Police has made public some details about the suspect.
According to a description included in the press release, he is "a small man which bushy black hair and also a bushy black beard." Police say that, when he approached his victims, he tried to speak with them "in poor Finnish and English."
"The man has a foreign background and is from the Middle East," Police added.
Police are trying to find out if the suspect has committed other crimes which are still unknown. The investigators are encouraging parents of children who may have been harassed to report their cases.
Any clues or tips can be sent via email to [email protected]
