A Finnish prosecutor has ordered the release of four suspects apprehended in Stockholm following a reported crime that took place in Finnish waters.
The alleged incident, which has raised serious concerns, unfolded on Saturday morning aboard the Viking Grace ferry, a vessel that navigates between Finland and Sweden. According to police in Stockholm, the suspects—four men in their twenties—are accused of raping a woman in a cabin on the ship.
The ferry crew became aware of the situation shortly after it occurred and managed to detain the men until Swedish authorities arrived. However, by Saturday afternoon, they were released from custody. Swedish media have reported that this decision was influenced by the Finnish prosecutor’s determination that the crime falls under Finnish jurisdiction due to its location in Finnish waters.
Viking Line spokesperson Johanna Boijer-Svahnström confirmed that the alleged assault occurred on the Viking Grace during its voyage from Turku to Stockholm. She specified that both the accused and the victim are residents of Finland.
“While the ship is equipped with surveillance cameras in public areas, we cannot install cameras in cabins for privacy reasons,” Boijer-Svahnström noted.
In response to the incident, authorities conducted a thorough crime scene investigation aboard the ferry. The crew, trained to handle such situations, prioritized the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. “The cabin is secured, and the police are called immediately. Additionally, we always have staff members on board who are medically trained, often including a nurse,” she explained.
This troubling event has garnered attention, and Swedish outlets Expressen and Aftonbladet were among the first to break the story. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the details of what transpired on that ill-fated journey.