Finnish Teenager Accused of Selling Explosives to Minors via WhatsApp

Authorities in Oulu, Finland, are investigating a criminal case involving explosives, with a 15-year-old suspect accused of ordering hundreds of pyrotechnic devices from a foreign online retailer and subsequently selling approximately 100 to other minors through the messaging app WhatsApp.

The police identified the items as P1-class pyrotechnic products, which are not intended for recreational use. Their sale to individuals under 18 is prohibited, and minors are also forbidden from possessing them. Tero Väyrynen, communications manager for the Oulu police, described the items as "small, fist-sized explosives with a fuse."

According to police information, the teenager ordered a total of 280 explosives from a Polish online shop. Of these, around 100 were reportedly sold to other minors via WhatsApp. The suspect faces charges for the criminal act involving explosives. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported to the police in connection with these explosives thus far.

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These are small, fist-sized explosives with a fuse.

Väyrynen suggested the products were likely acquired for amusement and fun, despite not being designed as fireworks. Such items can sometimes be used for purposes like deterring pests. He cautioned that even though these explosives are classified as low-hazard pyrotechnics, misuse can lead to severe injuries, particularly to eyes, hearing, and fingers. "Using these products without a justifiable reason is fundamentally a crime that can result in fines," Väyrynen stated.

The case came to the police's attention through school policing efforts, following a report about potential explosives. Väyrynen noted that this phenomenon is not entirely new to the police and urged parents to discuss firecrackers and their associated dangers with their children. The investigation is ongoing, with further interviews planned.

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Using these products without a justifiable reason is fundamentally a crime that can result in fines.