Finnish Police Launch Criminal Investigation Into Google Over Forest Clearing for Datacentre

Finnish authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into potential environmental law violations by a Google subsidiary following unauthorized clearcutting and drainage work at a planned datacentre site in rural northern Finland.

Investigation Into Environmental Violations

According to Finnish police, the investigation focuses on Tuike Finland, a Google subsidiary, which cleared and drained 330 hectares (815 acres) of forest at a planned datacentre location in Muhos. Authorities allege that the company proceeded with the work before completing required environmental impact assessments.

Preliminary statements from Finnish police indicate that investigators are examining ambiguities and shortcomings related to drainage and water management at the construction site. Earlier in the month, the national Supervisory Agency ordered Google to suspend preparatory measures altering the environment at two separate locations—Muhos and Otanmäki, situated about 100 kilometers to the south-east—after environmental impact assessments were bypassed. Campaign groups have estimated that roughly 250,000 trees were felled at Muhos, alongside 150,000 at Otanmäki.

Context and Corporate Response

Nordic countries have increasingly attracted major technology companies due to stable geopolitical conditions, abundant land availability, and cooler climates that can reduce cooling and energy costs for datacentres. Google has advanced plans for a substantial artificial intelligence infrastructure project in the country, which the company has described as its largest investment in Europe.

Responding to the halt orders and subsequent public backlash, Antti Järvinen, Google's Finland country manager, issued an apology for the forest clearings. However, Järvinen maintained that the company operated based on its understanding of relevant legislation at the time.

Community Impact and Public Debate

The unpermitted clearcutting has generated significant national debate across Finland concerning the broader implications of large-scale datacentre developments for local environments, community wellbeing, and energy pricing. The controversy arrives as the country approaches parliamentary elections scheduled for April.

A public petition calling for tighter regulation on datacentres and compensation for environmental damage has garnered more than 93,000 signatures. Meanwhile, policy experts and academics have questioned the extent of local economic returns, noting that major international cloud and AI facilities typically generate limited permanent local employment relative to their scale.

Analysis and Verification Guide

Confirmed Facts

• Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into Tuike Finland Oy over environmental and water management issues.
• Work was halted at datacentre preparation sites in Muhos and Otanmäki following orders from the Finnish Supervisory Agency.
• Google cleared land before concluding mandated environmental impact assessments.

Unknowns and Uncertainties

• The ultimate legal findings of the police criminal investigation.
• The final outcome regarding permits and whether or not construction will eventually resume at the disputed sites.
• The long-term political and regulatory consequences for future foreign tech investments in Finland.

How to Verify

Readers can review the original reporting and ongoing updates via The Guardian's coverage at [The Guardian Official Report](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/29/finland-criminal-investigation-google-clearing-forest-datacentre). Official statements regarding administrative suspensions can also be tracked directly through Finnish regulatory bodies and police press releases.