Estonian law enforcers have detained a 60-year-old man suspected of involvement in an explosion at a shopping centre in Tallinn, the Estonian State Prosecutor’s Office said.
According to Prosecutor General Astrid Asi, the suspect lives in Tallinn, has no Estonian citizenship and is a stateless person. Previously, he has been repeatedly prosecuted for criminal offences. The prosecutor’s office is applying to the court for his arrest, and investigative actions are continuing.
The head of the Estonian Security Police Department, Margo Pallonson, said that the explosion was deliberate, and the identity of the suspect was established as early as Saturday night. According to the department’s assessment, there is no longer a threat to the public and the incident is an isolated incident.
Law enforcers noted that “so far there is no indication that the event is linked to terrorism, extremism or foreign influence.” The man who was injured in the explosion may be discharged from hospital in the coming days.
According to prosecutors, the suspect’s motive was probably personal revenge related to his previous contacts with the shopping centre. The investigation believes that the man intended to damage the facility specifically. The explosive device, according to preliminary reports, was homemade.
Despite the suspect’s detention, police have increased patrols around the shopping centre to increase the sense of security. Rescuers checked all dumpsters in the centre and found no other dangerous items.
Earlier on Saturday, December 20, there was an explosion in a rubbish bin in a shopping centre in Tallinn, injuring a woman.