Finnish police have launched a criminal investigation into suspected environmental law violations at a planned Google data centre site in northern Finland, raising fresh questions about the environmental impact of the technology giant’s multibillion-dollar artificial intelligence expansion.
The investigation centres on Tuike Finland, a subsidiary of Google, over forest clearing and drainage work carried out at a proposed data centre site near the town of Muhos before legally required environmental impact assessments had been completed.
Police said they were examining whether the company’s activities breached Finland’s Water Act and caused environmental damage.
“We are investigating whether the company’s operations have breached the water act and resulted in environmental damage,” Detective Superintendent Kari Pakanen told Reuters, adding that a finding of guilt could result in a corporate fine.
Preliminary findings had identified ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at the site, police said in a statement.
The investigation is expected to continue into 2027, with police planning to provide an update in December. Pakanen declined to disclose whether any individuals could be targeted as part of the probe.
Google said it would cooperate with the investigation and continue to ensure compliance with applicable requirements at its sites.
“We’ve partnered closely with the government and communities in Finland on infrastructure for over a decade, and are actively responding to enquiries from LVV and other authorities,” a company spokesperson said.
The investigation follows an October 6 order by Finland’s Supervisory Agency, known as LVV, directing Google to halt preparatory activities that could alter the environment at Muhos and another proposed data centre site.
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The agency oversees environmental permits and assessments, and it will determine when work can resume. An LVV spokesperson said it was not yet clear how long the permitting process would take.
The probe comes as Google pursues an ambitious expansion of its artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland. Last month, the company announced plans to invest $15bn in AI infrastructure in the country, describing the commitment as its largest investment in Europe.
The investment programme includes data centres, electricity grid improvements, clean energy projects and battery infrastructure intended to support services such as Gemini, Google Search, Maps and YouTube.
Finland has emerged as an attractive destination for data centre developers because of its cool climate, low-carbon electricity supply and government support for AI investment. The country has also faced less vocal opposition to such developments than some other locations, including parts of the United States.
However, the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is raising concerns about energy demand and the environmental consequences of large-scale construction.
Finnish grid operator Fingrid has projected that the country’s electricity consumption could increase by as much as 40 per cent in the coming years if all agreed grid connection projects proceed.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has backed Google’s investment plans, describing the deal as a boost to the economy while playing down concerns that data centres could absorb large amounts of electricity and drive up power prices.
The criminal investigation does not establish that Google or its subsidiary has committed an offence. Authorities will determine whether the work breached environmental laws and whether any penalties are warranted.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
