They revealed Finland's cultural profile: "He exploited the dreams of young girls"

- It's amazing that this has been going on for so long. There have been suspicions, but you have not been able to understand or intervene, says Katri Kallionpää, journalist at Helsingin Sanomat.

Together with her colleague Paavo Teittinen, she has for one year worked on the investigation that has now contributed to the man being arrested on probable grounds for human trafficking.

"Our work, and the fact that we reminded the women where they can turn for help, has partly led to the police starting a criminal investigation," says Paavo Teittinen.

According to the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat's review, a well-known cultural figure must have attracted young girls, often minors, to their cultural association, and kept them living with them in sect-like conditions. According to the eighteen anonymous women interviewed, he must have threatened, sexually harassed, harassed and manipulated them. The man, through his lawyer, denies all charges against him.

- He is using the cultural interest to get close to young girls. He promises them a bright future if they follow him, says Katri Kallionpää.

The business has many features that are reminiscent of dangerous, manipulative sects - such as a careful selection of young, traumatized or identity-weak people, Paavo Teittinen says. Among other things, the women were forced to wear high heels and a dress.

- But also communication bans, strict uniform clothing rules and rules of behavior, and to emphasize oneself as a godly leader that others should follow without questioning.

The man is widely rewarded for various cultural activities and his association has worked at numerous cultural centers in Helsinki. High-ranking politicians have held tributes to him and in recent decades he has been awarded over half a million euros for his projects.

- The person had already been previously punished for serious fraud attempts and malpractice. The latter judgment was about just using his position of power to attract young women to his hotel room. Still, he has been able to continue, says Paavo Teittinen.

The revelations in the Helsingin sanomat have been compared to Dagens Nyheter's review of the so-called cultural profile, since the behavior in both cases has been more or less known for decades.

- There are some specific similarities: they were both elite favorites and had protectors and financiers, says Paavo Teittinen.

In the 90s, the man was active at the Helsinki Art University. He currently has no connection with the university, which reacts strongly to the revelations.

- I was chocked. Most disgusting is the exploitation of young people's dreams, says Elina Knihtilä, a professor at the art university.

The crimes for which the man is now detained should have taken place between 2016 and 2019, and must therefore have taken place during, and after, the metoo.

- For some reason, I imagined that it was no longer possible after metoo and all the discussions that took place. But it might just show that metoo is not over at all.

The cultural news has in vain sought the man for an interview.