Finnish Police Probe Google Over Massive Deforestation for Data Centers
Finnish authorities are investigating Google after 250,000 trees were cleared for a data center project without complete environmental assessments, prompting work suspensions.
Finnish authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into Google over the clearing of approximately 250,000 trees in northern Finland to prepare for a major data center project. The police inquiry follows an order by the Finnish supervisory authority halting preparation works at two sites due to potential environmental violations and inadequate impact assessments.
The large-scale deforestation took place near the town of Muhos, where a forest covering about 3,300 dunams was cleared, and at a second site near Kajaani spanning slightly less than 2,000 dunams. The projects are part of Google's broader 13-billion-euro investment plan in Finland. On October 8, the Finnish supervisory body instructed Google's local subsidiary, Tuike Finland, to suspend operations until proper environmental reviews could be completed.
Police Investigation and Drainage Issues
On October 29, the Finnish police opened a formal preliminary investigation following a referral from the environmental watchdog. Authorities cited irregularities and deficiencies in drainage systems and water management at the Muhos site, noting that the company's initial plans failed to demonstrate adequate control over environmental impacts.
Google's country director in Finland, Antti Jarvinen, issued an apology, stating that the company believed the logging operations complied with regulations and that local authorities were fully informed of the plans. Finnish broadcaster Yle reported that harvested timber was sent to the local wood industry, raising concerns that non-compliant logging could trigger certification issues and financial losses. The police investigation is expected to continue through 2027.
