Finland investigate Google over destruction of 250k trees
Finnish police have launched a preliminary investigation into Google's data center construction sites in Muhos and Kajaani-Otanmäki. The probe focuses on potential environmental damage and irregularities in water management plans.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights the tension between large-scale tech infrastructure development and environmental regulatory compliance in the EU.
The investigation is expected to be complete at some point next year.
Open image viewer Google’s data center construction site in Muhos on 7 October 2026. The next day, the Finnish Supervisory Agency ordered work at the site to be suspended. Image: Rami Moilanen / Yle Yle News 15:25 The Oulu Police Department has opened a preliminary investigation into the activities at Google's data centre construction site in Muhos, following a request from the Finnish Supervisory Agency to look into the matter.
The department has received five requests for an investigation related to the Muhos site, all of which will be addressed in the preliminary probe.
The data centre construction work is part of the tech giant's 13 billion euro investment in Finland.
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