Finland launches criminal investigation into Google’s clearing of forest for datacentre site

The investigation targets Tuike Finland, a Google subsidiary, which cleared and drained 330 hectares of forest at the planned site in Muhos before environmental impact assessments were finished.

Excavators are now clearing the ground at the site, located next to major power lines, while trucks shuttle back and forth. The move has sparked a national debate over datacentre projects and their environmental impact.

Finnish police stated that preliminary information showed ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at the construction site.

Earlier this month, authorities ordered Google to suspend work at the Muhos and Otanmäki sites after the company failed to complete environmental impact assessments before clearcutting the land.

Campaigners estimate that 250,000 trees were felled at Muhos and 150,000 at Otanmäki. Google’s Finland country manager, Antti Järvinen, has apologised for the clearings, arguing the company acted according to the best understanding of the legislation at the time.

Government support and public backlash

The Finnish government has encouraged the projects, with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stating that attracting investment is a top priority and the deal would deliver lasting benefits.

However, more than 93,000 people have signed a petition demanding more datacentre regulation and compensation for environmental damage.

Experts say datacentres bring a limited number of local jobs, and benefits on a national level are minimal. Jussi Kangasharju, a professor of computer science at the University of Helsinki, said the projects offer little benefit to Finland.

The issue could impact parliamentary elections due in April. Finnish authorities are considering applications for a total of 145 new datacentres, including a €13bn artificial intelligence infrastructure project by Google.