Google Faces Criminal Prob

The Oulu Police Department announced on October 29 that it had opened a criminal investigation into preparatory work by Tuike Finland Oy at Muhos, in northern Finland. Officers are examining suspected environmental damage, following a referral from the Finnish Supervisory Agency.

Police are handling five requests for investigation together. Their preliminary information points to deficiencies and unresolved questions concerning drainage and water management. The investigation will establish the facts and any criminal responsibility.

Water protection deadline approaches

The supervisory agency has given Tuike Finland until November 5 to submit a detailed water management plan, including independent monitoring.

In its October 22 statement, the agency said most of approximately nine kilometers of planned drainage ditches had already been dug when the company submitted its notification on September 18. The required notice period was at least 60 days before work began.

The site lies within an area affected by black shale deposits. Excavation and drainage can expose sulfide-bearing materials to oxygen, increasing acidity and metal concentrations in runoff. The agency said the company’s monitoring had already recorded changes indicating acidification.

Officials concluded that the drainage requires a water permit. They want protective measures to account for heavy rain and snowmelt.

Google says it is cooperating

In a response published by Finnish public broadcaster Yle on October 29, Google said it was answering authorities’ questions and cooperating with the investigation. The company said its continuing focus was compliance at its sites.

The supervisory agency separately reported that Tuike Finland had said on October 14 that preparatory work had stopped following its intervention.

Police aim to provide another update in December. Given the scope of the case, they expect the investigation to continue into 2027.