A criminal investigation has been initiated by the Oulu Police Department targeting Google's data centre construction site in Muhos, located in northern Finland. The inquiry centres on allegations of environmental harm connected to the facility operated by Tuike Finland, Google's regional subsidiary.

The investigation was announced on Thursday following a referral from the Finnish Supervisory Agency, according to reporting by Yle News. The police department is consolidating five separate investigation requests into a single probe. Authorities indicated that additional charges could emerge as the investigation progresses.

Preliminary information points to "ambiguities and deficiencies in drainage and water management at the construction site of Tuike Finland Oy's data centre project"

Oulu Police Department, in Agence France-Presse's translation

Investigators anticipate an extended timeline for the probe, with completion targeted for 2027. Further details are expected to be released in December, according to Agence France-Presse.

Construction halted since October

The Muhos facility represents a component of Google's €13bn investment commitment to Finland, which was unveiled in September. Before finishing its environmental impact assessment, Tuike Finland cleared approximately 330 hectares of forest at the location. The Guardian estimated this clearing resulted in the loss of around 250,000 trees.

The supervisory agency mandated work suspension at both the Muhos site and a second location at Kajaani-Otanmäki, citing incomplete environmental assessments. On 14 October, the company confirmed it had halted preparatory activities at both locations, Yle reported.

Regulators determined that Tuike Finland's existing water management strategy was insufficient, failing to demonstrate adequate control over potential water impacts. The supervisory agency has set a deadline of 5 November for the company to present a comprehensive water management plan. This plan must address heavy precipitation events, seasonal snowmelt, and the region's acidic black shale soil composition, according to Yle. Should the company fail to comply, the agency may pursue formal enforcement measures, potentially including conditional penalties.

Google's response

In a statement provided via email to Henna Mäkikallio of Yle, Google indicated its willingness to participate in the investigation process.

We are actively responding to questions from LVV and other authorities. We are cooperating in the investigation that Oulu police announced on 29 October, and we will continue to focus on ensuring that our sites operate in line with requirements

Google, in TNW's translation

Antti Järvinen, who leads Google's operations in Finland, offered an apology regarding the forest clearing activities during an interview with Yle on 13 October. He stated that Google had proceeded based on its interpretation of applicable legislation at the moment the work was undertaken.

Source: The Next Web