Armed Robbery Prosecutions
✅ 1. Legal Framework: Armed Robbery in Finland
1.1 Statutory Basis
Armed robbery in Finland is primarily regulated under the Criminal Code (Rikoslaki), Chapter 21 – Crimes Against Property:
Section 28: Robbery (Ryöstö)
Defined as using violence or threat of violence to unlawfully take property from someone.
Elements:
Use or threat of violence.
Taking property unlawfully.
Intent to gain financial benefit.
Section 28:2: Aggravated Robbery (Törkeä ryöstö)
Aggravating factors:
Use of weapons (firearms, knives, blunt objects).
Infliction of serious physical injury.
Threatening multiple victims.
Organized or repeat offenses.
Penalties
Standard robbery: 1–6 years imprisonment.
Aggravated robbery: 4–10 years imprisonment depending on severity.
1.2 Key Principles
Use of weapons automatically increases the severity.
Physical or psychological harm is considered in sentencing.
Organized operations (gangs, repeat offenders) can lead to aggravated charges.
Attempted robbery is also criminal.
Property value is less relevant than threat and violence.
✅ 2. Illustrative Finnish Armed Robbery Cases
Here are six detailed cases based on Finnish legal practice.
CASE 1: Bank Robbery with Firearm
Facts:
Defendant entered a bank armed with a pistol, threatened staff, and stole €50,000.
Legal Issues:
Does using a firearm automatically constitute aggravated robbery?
Court Analysis:
Court confirmed that firearm use and threatening multiple victims met the criteria for aggravated robbery.
No actual injury occurred, but psychological threat was sufficient.
Outcome:
Convicted of aggravated robbery; sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
Significance:
Weapon use and multiple victims elevate charges even without physical harm.
CASE 2: Convenience Store Armed Robbery
Facts:
Defendant used a knife to rob a convenience store, threatening staff.
Took €1,200 cash and fled.
Legal Issues:
How does use of a knife affect severity compared to firearm?
Court Analysis:
Knife classified as a weapon; threat of immediate harm aggravated the offense.
Court also noted prior criminal record.
Outcome:
Convicted of aggravated robbery; sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
Significance:
Non-firearm weapons are still aggravating; prior record can increase sentence.
CASE 3: Armed Robbery Gang – Series of Gas Station Robberies
Facts:
A group of 3 defendants committed multiple armed robberies at gas stations over six months.
Used baseball bats and knives; victims threatened but not injured.
Legal Issues:
Does repeated and organized activity constitute aggravated robbery?
Court Analysis:
Court emphasized planning, coordination, and repeated offenses.
Group roles: leader, driver, and participant assessed separately.
Outcome:
Leader: 7 years imprisonment.
Driver: 5 years imprisonment.
Participant: 4 years imprisonment.
Significance:
Finnish courts differentiate between roles in organized robbery networks.
CASE 4: Attempted Armed Robbery of Jewelry Store
Facts:
Defendant attempted to rob a jewelry store with a firearm but fled after triggering alarm.
Legal Issues:
Is attempted armed robbery punishable if no property was taken?
Court Analysis:
Attempt with intent and threat of violence qualifies as criminal.
No actual loss reduces the sentence but does not eliminate liability.
Outcome:
Convicted of attempted aggravated robbery; sentence: 3 years imprisonment (partially suspended).
Significance:
Attempted robbery with a weapon is treated seriously.
CASE 5: Armed Robbery with Injury
Facts:
Defendant robbed a gas station with a knife, injuring one staff member.
Legal Issues:
Does physical injury increase severity?
Court Analysis:
Injury combined with weapon use elevated the offense to aggravated robbery.
Court considered the harm caused to victim and threat level.
Outcome:
Convicted of aggravated robbery; sentenced to 8 years imprisonment.
Significance:
Physical harm is a major aggravating factor in sentencing.
CASE 6: Bank Robbery with Vehicle Escape
Facts:
Defendant robbed a bank using a handgun, then fled in a stolen car, causing minor traffic incidents.
Legal Issues:
Does endangering public safety during escape affect sentence?
Court Analysis:
Escape created additional risk to the public; this was considered in aggravation.
Planning, weapon use, and risk of injury elevated the offense.
Outcome:
Convicted of aggravated robbery; sentenced to 9 years imprisonment.
Significance:
Courts consider planning, weapons, and public risk in aggravated robbery.
✅ 3. Key Takeaways from Finnish Case Law
Weapon use = aggravated offense
Firearms, knives, and other weapons increase sentence.
Role and organization matter
Leaders and planners receive longer sentences than accomplices or minor participants.
Physical or psychological harm increases severity.
Attempted robbery is punishable
Even without successful theft.
Repeat or serial offenders are treated more harshly.
Public safety considerations
Risk to bystanders during escape or obstruction aggravates the offense.
These cases illustrate that Finnish courts treat armed robbery very seriously, with penalties reflecting weapon use, planning, repeat offenses, and harm caused.
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