Finland opens criminal investigation into massive environmental damage at a project for "Google"

Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into potential environmental violations at the site of a data center that Google plans to build near the town of Muhos in northern Finland, following regulatory actions by the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority that included requiring the company to suspend preparatory work. Police said preliminary information revealed deficiencies in water management, and the investigation aims to determine whether the activities violated water law and caused environmental damage.

Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into potential environmental violations at the site of a data center that the American company Google plans to build near the town of Muhos in northern Finland. The investigation follows regulatory actions by the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority in October, which included requiring the company to suspend preparatory work that could lead to significant environmental changes at the Muhos and Kajaani sites. Police said preliminary information revealed deficiencies in drainage and water management at the site, which is operated by Google's subsidiary "Tovenlanda". Reuters reported that the company carried out preparatory work including tree removal, land preparation, and water drainage before completing the legal procedures for environmental impact assessment. Lead investigator Kari Pakanen said police are seeking to determine whether the company's activities violated Finnish water law and caused environmental damage, noting that a confirmed violation could lead to a fine. Pakanen declined to specify whether the investigation would include individual officials or employees. Google confirmed it will cooperate with police and continue working to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.