Finnish police open criminal investigation into suspected environmental breaches at planned Google data center site

Finnish police opened a criminal investigation into suspected environmental-law breaches at a planned Google data center site in northern Finland, Reuters reported Oct. 29. Authorities said Tuike Finland, a Google subsidiary, cleared forest and carried out drainage work near Muhos before completing environmental impact assessments required under Finnish law.

Police reported preliminary ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at the site. “We are investigating whether the company's operations have breached the water act and resulted in environmental damage,” Detective Superintendent Kari Pakanen . The inquiry concerns whether a breach and damage occurred, not a finding that either did. On Oct. 6, Finland's Supervisory Agency (LVV) ordered Google to halt preparatory measures altering the environment at Muhos and a separate site. A Google spokesperson said the company would cooperate with the police investigation and continue to focus on maintaining compliance at its sites.