Laukvik arson trial: Two men admit to setting six fires

Two German men appeared in the Salten and Lofoten District Court in Svolvær to face charges related to a series of six arsons in Laukvik during the summer of 2025. While both men had previously denied guilt, they both admitted in court to being responsible for the fires.

The arson series, which occurred over an eight-day period in July, caused significant damage. At Saga Fisk, approximately 12 tons of dried cod heads were lost, with damages estimated at 1.07 million NOK. Additionally, a mortuary chapel was totally destroyed, and fires occurred in forested areas.

One of the defendants faces a more serious charge under the ‘murder arson paragraph’ regarding a fire at the Polarlyssenteret. The prosecution alleges the fire, which started in a woodshed near a residence occupied by two people, could have resulted in loss of life. The defendant admitted to setting the fire but denied the most serious charge, claiming he attempted to extinguish the flames after hearing voices from the house and stating it was never his intention to endanger lives.