News

The evidence gathered by the Investigative Committee of Russia has been deemed sufficient by court to pass a verdict in absentia on a citizen of the Republic of Finland. Arima Riku Pekka has been found guilty of committing a crime under Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the RF (mercenary activity).

The investigation and court have established that Arima, who had military experience from the Finnish Defense Forces, arrived in Ukraine in 2022 and, motivated by financial gain, voluntarily joined the International Legion of Ukraine as a mercenary. He was provided with personal firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and special equipment. While in Ukraine, Arima underwent military training and was supplied with food and other necessities.

From 2022 to December 2023, Arima carried out orders from the command of the International Legion, participating directly in combat operations on the side of Ukrainian armed forces against members of the defense and law enforcement agencies of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. For all that, he was regularly receiving financial compensation. 

At the request of the investigation, a pretrial measure of detention in absentia was chosen for the accused.

The court sentenced Arima in absentia to 14 years of imprisonment, and he has been placed on an international wanted list.