Google’s Muhos data centre is the subject of a criminal investigation into suspected environmental damage, Oulu police announced on 29 October. The preliminary investigation concerns preparatory works carried out by Google’s subsidiary Tuike Finland Oy at the planned site in northern Finland.
The announcement confirms a new stage in the case. NordiskPost’s coverage on 28 October reported the environmental regulator’s referral to police; investigators have now confirmed that they are examining whether a criminal offence occurred. The opening of the investigation does not establish criminal responsibility.
Police examine drainage at Google’s Muhos data centre
Police have received five requests for an investigation concerning the project and will handle them together. According to their preliminary information, there have been ambiguities and shortcomings in drainage and water management at the worksite.
The investigation is proceeding under the suspected offence of environmental damage. Police said other possible offences could become clearer as the inquiry develops. Given the scale of the case, they aim to complete the investigation during 2027 and provide a further update in December 2026.
Water protection deadline remains 5 November
The criminal inquiry runs alongside regulatory action by the Finnish Supervisory Agency (Lupa- ja valvontavirasto, LVV). The agency called for environmentally significant preparatory works at Muhos and Kajaani-Otanmäki to stop because the projects’ environmental impact assessments were unfinished. Tuike Finland confirmed on 14 October that it had suspended preparatory work at both sites.
In its 22 October statement, the regulator said the proposed measures did not adequately demonstrate that impacts on waterways could be prevented and controlled. It also reported changes in monitoring results consistent with acidification.
The company must submit a detailed water-management plan by 5 November, setting out protective structures, their locations, implementation dates and independent monitoring. The plan must address heavy rain, snowmelt and risks associated with black shale and soils that can generate acidity. The agency said enforcement measures, potentially backed by a conditional fine, could follow if necessary action is not taken.
Google has defended its interpretation of the rules
Google has previously said it acted in good faith. Its explanation has been that forest clearing and preparatory works could proceed under forestry notifications and section 109 of Finland’s Building Act, as reported by STT through Suomenmaa. That is the company’s position, rather than a conclusion reached by investigators.
The Muhos project forms part of Google’s wider €13 billion investment programme in Finland. For the site, the next immediate requirement is the regulator’s November deadline, ahead of the police update planned for December.
