Finnish Police Probe Google for Illegal Deforestation

Finnish police have launched a criminal investigation into Google and its subsidiary, Tuike Finland, for suspected environmental law breaches at two AI data center construction sites. Authorities allege the company illegally cleared and drained approximately 816 acres of forest in Muhos and an additional 500 acres in Otanmäki before completing mandatory environmental impact assessments.

Detective Superintendent Kari Pakanen is leading the probe to determine if the operations breached the Water Act and caused environmental degradation. The unauthorized felling of an estimated 400,000 trees has sparked public backlash, including a petition with 93,000 signatures and reports from Otanmäki residents that displaced wolves have entered their village. Finland's Licensing and Supervision Authority ordered a halt to all preparatory work at both sites earlier this month.

Google's Finland country manager, Antti Järvinen, apologized for the clearings, stating the company acted on its best understanding of the legislation. In response, Google has committed to cooperating with the police and planting trees across 130 hectares in Muhos. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who previously praised the $15 billion AI infrastructure investment as an economic boost, told parliament that Google must follow the law and learn from the incident.

The investigation is expected to continue into 2027 and could result in a corporate fine. The controversy is anticipated to become a significant political issue in the upcoming April elections.