HELSINKI, Oct. 29 — Oulu Police have opened a criminal investigation into preparatory work at Google’s planned Muhos data center, examining suspected environmental damage after preliminary concerns about drainage and water management.
The department said Thursday that the inquiry began this week following a request from the Finnish Supervisory Agency (LVV). Police are grouping five requests related to the Muhos project in one investigation and said other potential offenses may emerge as they review the case. The department is targeting a 2027 finish and expects to provide an update in December.
Police said early information points to possible shortcomings in drainage and water management. The investigation has not established that environmental damage occurred.
LVV called on Tuike Finland Oy on Oct. 6 to pause environmentally significant preparatory work at the Muhos and Kajaani-Otanmäki sites while environmental impact assessments continued. Tuike said it halted work at both locations on Oct. 14.
LVV said Tuike’s Sept. 18 filing described drainage ditches planned across about nine kilometers, with most already built. The agency said the filing came after a 60-day advance-notice window and that a permit under Finland’s Water Act is required for the drainage work.
The Muhos area is affected by black shale, which LVV says can contribute to more acidic water and higher metal concentrations when disturbed by excavation or drainage. The agency said Tuike’s monitoring results showed changes consistent with acidification and also raised concerns about sediment and nutrient runoff.
Detective Superintendent Kari Pakanen told Reuters that police are examining whether Tuike breached the Water Act and caused environmental damage. Reuters reported that Pakanen said a guilty finding could result in a corporate fine.
Google’s Sept. 9 announcement set out a €13 billion, two-year investment in Finland, covering digital infrastructure, clean energy and local partnerships. The company said the investment would help meet rising demand for its core services. Google projected that construction in 2027 and 2028 could support more than 37,000 jobs nationwide and add €3.6 billion annually to Finland’s gross domestic product.
LVV requires Tuike to submit a detailed water-management plan by Nov. 5. The plan must map proposed measures, locations and schedules, provide for independent water monitoring, and address heavy rain, snowmelt and risks linked to black shale.
