HELSINKI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Friday that it has concluded a criminal investigation into the damage caused to submarine cables in the Gulf of Finland on Dec. 25, 2024.
According to a press release issued by the NBI, the investigation centered on the possible involvement of the Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged tanker that was present in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
Based on evidence gathered from the vessel, seabed inspections, and crew interviews, Finnish police suspect that senior officers aboard the Eagle S may be responsible for the incident.
The suspects include the ship's master, chief mate, and second mate, all of whom were in charge of the vessel's safe passage, navigation, and operations, said Detective Chief Inspector Sami Liimatainen, head of the investigation, in the press release.
They are suspected of aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with telecommunications, the NBI said.
In an interview with Finnish national broadcaster Yle, Liimatainen noted that all suspects denied the allegations during the preliminary investigation.
The damaged cables include EstLink 2, a critical submarine electricity transmission line connecting Finland and Estonia, which plays a key role in integrating the Baltic and Nordic energy markets and ensuring a secure power supply across the region.
The Eagle S reportedly damaged the cable by dragging an anchor across the seabed, also affecting several adjacent data cables.
The tanker was seized by Finnish authorities during the course of the investigation; the seizure was lifted in February 2025, and the vessel subsequently departed Finland in March, Yle reported. However, the individuals under investigation remain subject to a travel ban.
The case has been referred to the Office of the Prosecutor General for a decision on possible charges, the NBI said. Enditem
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