Finland’s largest human trafficking trial has commenced in Lapland with the case involving alleged exploitation in the wild berry harvesting industry described as internationally unprecedented by a defence lawyer. The proceedings began on Tuesday at the Lapland District Court in Rovaniemi.
The Lapland District Court in Rovaniemi opened proceedings on Tuesday in a human trafficking case tied to berry company Polarica. The accused include the firm’s former CEO, Jukka Kristo, along with business partner Kalyakorn “Durian” Phongphit. Video Credits: Yle
Published: 19/08/25 | 20:28
The defendants that were the berry company Polarica Marjahankinta, its former CEO Jukka Kristo and the company’s Thai business associate Kalyakorn “Durian” Phongphit face 78 counts of aggravated human trafficking corresponding to each plaintiff. Moreover, all defendants deny the allegations.
Kai Kotiranta, who is representing Polarica, Kristo and Kristo’s personal company called the lawsuit exceptional on an international scale. He also emphasized that the outcome could significantly affect Finland’s berry sector which depends heavily on foreign seasonal workers.
The trial that was initially set for May was postponed after Kristo argued that the judges were biased against him. Although the court rejected this claim the presiding judge decided to replace the other judges to ensure impartiality.
In early August Polarica and Kristo contended that the preliminary investigation had been conducted unlawfully claiming that some of the alleged offenses took place in Thailand and therefore required the Prosecutor General’s authorization before proceeding. The Lapland District Court dismissed this argument as well.
Kotiranta rejected suggestions that these actions were meant to slow down the trial.
“It is certainly in everyone’s interest for the case to be resolved swiftly rather than dragged out. In a serious criminal matter like this it is essential to ensure that the process has been and continues to be conducted properly in all respects,” Kotiranta said.
