Lithuanian-led gang behind nationwide boat engine thefts

The Central Finland Police say the operation was organized and highly planned, with the suspects allegedly targeting valuable assets and using internet reconnaissance to pick targets. The thefts affected several towns, including Valkeakoski, Porvoo, Sipoo, Raaseporti, and Raisio, and began with around 200,000-euro worth of boat motors stolen from Fenix Marin in Valkeakoski during last September. Two Lithuanian men were arrested in Valkeakoski in November as they were about to commit similar crimes and remain in custody.

The investigators describe a tightly run operation: the suspects are believed to have secured residences as bases, surveilled targets online with technical gear, and used fake names and unregistered SIM cards to stay anonymous. Heavily motorized engines were moved with specialized equipment, and authorities say the suspects tried to partially obscure their tracks at crime scenes. Searches and other coercive measures have taken place in Pirkanmaa and Southern Finland and in Lithuania, with the investigation conducted in cooperation with Lithuanian authorities. Stolen property has not been recovered, but authorities have sought to protect potential compensation claims with asset freezes. The inquiry also uncovered an aggravated drug offense and connections to a prior cocaine import of more than three kilograms, with one suspect convicted in 2023 by the Central Finland District Court and identified in this investigation as part of the import chain.