HELSINKI, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Helsinki police on Monday reported that a man in custody was suspected of sexual crimes against at least 12 girls during 13 years.
The alleged cases began in 2006. The suspect was now 64 and was detained in March. The alleged victims called him "the uncle" .
Contrary to the usual practice in Finland, the police published the picture of the suspect as more cases were likely to emerge.
Finnish media have not published his name, but national radio Yle said the name indicated he was of foreign background.
Newspaper Helsingin Sanomat said he required a French language interpreter in court appearances. HS reported the man had earlier worked in France in the programming branch.
Sexual crimes against minors expire as a ground for prosecution at the earliest when the victim is 28, local media reported.
Senior police investigator Saara Asmundela told Yle the police received tens of calls on Monday. The news also increased the demand for youth counseling.
