Finland launches criminal probe into Google data centre land clearance

Finnish authorities have initiated a criminal inquiry into potential infractions of environmental regulations during the construction of a Google data center. The Oulu Police Department announced the investigation into Google's Finnish subsidiary, Tuike, following the clearing of approximately 330 hectares of forest in Muhos and nearly 200 hectares in Kajaani, prior to mandatory environmental assessments.

Google has recently announced a $15 billion investment in AI infrastructure in Finland, described as the company's largest European investment. The logging operations at the Muhos site began in March and continued for several months. Finland's Supervisory Agency (LVV) responded to Tuike's correspondence in May, stating that environmental impact assessments must precede logging.

In September, Google announced plans to invest $21 billion over two years to build data centers in Finland. In early October, LVV ordered Google to cease operations at both sites. Google's Finland country manager, Antti Järvinen, apologized for the clearances and claimed the cuts complied with the law. The investigation is being conducted as an environmental degradation case, with potential additional criminal classifications.

Detective Superintendent Kari Pakanen stated that preliminary findings revealed ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at Tuike's site. An update on the case is expected in December, but the investigation will extend into 2027. A guilty verdict could result in a corporate fine, with the regulator deciding on any permits to resume work.

Google declined to comment on potential individual targets. LVV temporarily halted the work until mandatory assessments were completed. Finland's cool climate, low-carbon electricity, and government support for AI projects have made it a prime destination for data center investments in Europe.