Finland Investigates Google Subsidiary Tuike Finland Over Environmental Violations

Finnish police have initiated a criminal investigation into Tuike Finland, a subsidiary of Alphabet’s Google, over suspected violations of environmental laws at a construction site for a planned data centre in northern Finland. The investigation, announced on October 29, focuses on potential shortcomings in drainage and water management practices at the site in Muhos.

The Oulu police department is overseeing the case, which arose following multiple complaints regarding Tuike Finland's activities, including forest clearing and drainage work. Approximately 330 hectares of forest were cleared prior to the completion of necessary environmental impact assessments, exceeding the threshold that mandates such assessments under Finnish law.

Google has stated that it believed it had obtained the required approvals for the project. The investigation is expected to conclude by 2027, adding uncertainty to Google’s significant €13 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure in Finland, which includes plans for new data centres in Muhos, Kajaani, and Vaala.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Finland's government has expressed support for data centre developments, indicating a desire for the construction to proceed. However, the halt in preparatory works at the Muhos and Kajaani sites, prompted by regulatory concerns, poses a risk to the timeline of the project.