Finland launches criminal probe of suspected environmental damage by Google

Finnish police are investigating suspected environmental law violations at the site of a planned Google data centre near Muhos in northern Finland. Authorities say Tuike Finland, Google’s local subsidiary, cleared forest and drained the site before legally required environmental impact assessments were completed. Detective Superintendent Kari Pakanen said investigators are examining whether the work breached the Water Act and caused environmental damage; a guilty finding could result in a corporate fine. Google said it would cooperate with police and continue working to maintain compliance at its sites.