Sexual offenses by taxi drivers have sharply increased in Helsinki over the last decade

Data from Helsinki's district court reveal a clear upward trend in sexual crimes perpetrated by taxi drivers over the past ten years. Between 2019 and 2025, around 30 individuals were sentenced, with roughly one-third of those cases involving rape, a crime that, although still rare, has become more common. The typical victims are women or girls who were under the influence of alcohol, leaving them vulnerable.

Every offender identified in the court files was of immigrant origin, and a significant number needed translation assistance during proceedings. Authorities link the increase to the 2018 overhaul of taxi regulations, which appears to have reduced overall passenger safety. Notably, no cases were recorded in 2015, but by 2020, just two years after the reform, 17 investigations were already underway.