Police probe suspected environmental damage at Google's Finland data centre site

Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into suspected environmental damage at the site of a planned Google data centre in Muhos, northern Finland, Yle reported on Oct. 29. The Oulu Police Department opened the preliminary investigation at the request of Finland's Supervisory Agency, the regulator for environmental permits and assessments. The site is run by Tuike Finland, a Google subsidiary.

What police are looking at. Police said the department had received five requests to investigate the Muhos site, and all of them will be handled in the probe, according to Yle. "Based on preliminary information, there have been ambiguities and shortcomings in the drainage and water management at the construction site," police said, the Guardian reported. A detective superintendent told Reuters that police are examining whether the company breached Finland's Water Act, and that a guilty finding could lead to a corporate fine. Other possible offences may be clarified as the probe goes on, police said, per Yle.

Land cleared before the assessment. Authorities say Tuike Finland cleared forest and drained land at the site before the environmental impact assessment required by Finnish law was complete, according to Reuters. The Guardian puts the cleared and drained area at 330 hectares.

Work already halted. On Oct. 6, the Supervisory Agency ordered Google to halt preparatory work altering the environment at Muhos and at a second site, Reuters reported. The company confirmed on Oct. 14 that it had suspended work at both sites, Yle reported.

Google's position. Google has previously said it began preparatory work based on its understanding of the approvals required, Reuters reported. Its Finland country manager, Antti Järvinen, has apologised for the clearings, according to the Guardian. Google did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Context. The site is part of Google's planned investment in Finland, which Yle puts at €13 billion.

What is next. Police said they aim to give an update in December and to finish the investigation during 2027, according to Yle.