The Finnish Supervisory Agency (known by its Finnish acronym LVV) has ordered Google to halt preparatory building work on two planned data centres, announced last month as part of the tech giant's 13 billion euro investment in Finland.
LVV's order was issued to Google's subsidiary Tuike Finland over concerns that the preparatory work for the data centres could "significantly alter the environment". This work included the removal of trees and topsoil, construction of site roads and storage areas, and changes to ditches, according to LVV.
In a statement, the agency added that the suspension order will remain in effect until environmental impact assessment procedures have been completed for the two sites at Muhos and Kajaani.
Yle understands that LVV began investigating Google's activities at the two sites after suspicions were raised publicly that illegal logging had taken place in the areas.
Tabloid Iltalehti reported on Wednesday that police have launched a preliminary investigation into the preparatory work carried out at the Muhos site.
Investigators are seeking to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of a crime having been committed to warrant the opening of a pre-trial probe.
IL added that the preliminary investigation began after a request was filed with police on 2 October by a private individual.
In its own statement, Google said it had "fallen short of our own high standards in this instance", adding it intends to fully comply with the LVV order.
Tuike Finland has until 14 October to provide an explanation to LVV.
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