Finnish Police Launch Investigation into Google Data Center Project
Legal Dispute in Finland
Finnish police have launched a criminal investigation into Tuike Finland, a local subsidiary of Google. The inquiry concerns a large-scale construction project in Muhos, where the tech giant plans to establish a data center. Law enforcement officials state that the investigation focuses on alleged environmental damage identified during the construction process.
The probe was initiated following a request from the Finnish supervisory agency. Police have consolidated five official complaints into a single case. Preliminary findings suggest that the primary issues relate to deficiencies in water management and drainage systems at the construction site. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the scope of the charges may expand as the inquiry progresses.
Deforestation and Halted Operations
The Muhos project is part of a €13 billion investment announced by Google in Finland. Criticism intensified after it was revealed that Tuike Finland cleared approximately 330 hectares of forest before completing an environmental impact assessment. Reports indicate that the process resulted in the loss of up to 250,000 trees.
The supervisory agency ordered the company to halt work at both the Muhos and Kajaani-Otanmäki sites due to incomplete environmental studies. In mid-October, Google confirmed that it had temporarily suspended preparations at both locations. Antti Järvinen, head of Google’s Finnish office, publicly apologised for the deforestation, stating that the company had acted based on the interpretation of legislation at that time.
Government Requirements
The agency has assessed that the water management plans submitted by Tuike Finland are insufficient. The company has until November 5 to present a detailed strategy that accounts for heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and the specific characteristics of the region’s acidic black shale soil. Should Google fail to comply, authorities reserve the right to impose enforcement measures, including financial penalties.
In an official statement, Google noted that it is actively cooperating with investigative bodies and responding to all inquiries from the supervisory agency. The tech giant maintains that its priority is to ensure strict compliance with all laws during the operation of its facilities. The investigation is expected to be lengthy, with police anticipating final conclusions by 2027, though the public will receive the first updated information in December of this year.