Police open preliminary assessment of Muhos data centre work

Police have opened a preliminary assessment of preparatory work for Google’s planned data centre in Muhos, Yle reports, citing Iltalehti. Officers are examining whether a crime may have occurred that would require a formal investigation.

The assessment follows a request for an investigation from a private individual, received by police on October 2. Police have asked the Permit and Supervisory Agency for an opinion.

The agency has told Google subsidiary Tuike Finland to suspend preparatory work that significantly alters the environment at planned data centre projects in Muhos and Kajaani. The work must stop immediately and no later than October 23, and remain suspended until environmental impact assessment procedures for the projects are complete.

The agency says extensive preparatory work has been carried out at both locations, including tree removal, stripping of topsoil and construction of work roads.