Finnish police have opened a criminal investigation into Tuike Finland Oy, an Alphabet subsidiary, over suspected environmental law breaches at the site of Google’s planned data centre in Muhos, northern Finland. Authorities believe that forest clearing and drainage carried out before environmental impact assessments were finalised may have been unlawful. About 330 hectares of forest were cleared, exceeding the threshold that triggers an environmental impact assessment requirement in Finland. Google says it believed the required approvals were in place, while preparatory work at the Muhos and Kajaani sites has already been halted. The investigation, which is expected to conclude in 2027, adds uncertainty to the timetable for a EUR 13 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland.
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