Finland launches criminal probe of environmental damage at Google data centre site
Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into suspected environmental-law breaches at the planned Google data centre site in Muhos. Authorities say site work began before required environmental impact assessments were completed; the project is part of Alphabet’s planned $15 billion investment in AI infrastructure in Finland.
1. Police investigate site work
Finnish police said they are investigating suspected breaches of environmental law at the construction site of a planned Google data centre in northern Finland. Authorities say Tuike Finland, an Alphabet subsidiary, conducted forest clearing and drainage in Muhos before required environmental impact assessments had been completed.
2. Permit and company response
Police cited preliminary information indicating ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at the site. On October 6, Finland’s Supervisory Agency ordered Google to halt preparatory measures altering the environment at Muhos and a separate site. Google has said it began the work based on its understanding of the approvals required under Finnish law. The project is part of a plan announced last month for a $15 billion investment in AI infrastructure in Finland.
