Maritime Investigations in the Gulf of Finland Continue

Examinations related to the damage of the telecommunications cable owned by Elisa are being conducted in cooperation with other authorities. Underwater investigations have revealed a drag mark spanning several tens of kilometres.

The National Bureau of Investigation has been working closely with other authorities to advance the criminal investigation. Today, on 04 January, the Helsinki District Court ordered a crew member of the vessel Fitburg to be placed in pre-trial detention. At this stage, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications. The interviews of the crew members are progressing as planned. 

─ The technical and tactical investigation of the case is progressing with the involvement of several authorities. At the core of the investigation is the assessment of intent and the information influencing it. There have been incidents in the Gulf of Finland in recent years, and this case proves that both national and international cooperation between authorities functions seamlessly, says Tactical Leader of investigation Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation. 

Maritime Investigations Conducted in Cooperation with Estonian Authorities

The police, supported by the Border Guard and the Defence Forces, have conducted maritime investigations. Estonian authorities have participated in the investigative efforts on site.  The Joint Investigation Team will continue the investigations throughout the weekend.

Subsea examinations have focused on, among other things, drag marks found on the seabed, which appear to align with the vessel's route. Based on the examinations conducted so far, there is reason to suspect that the anchor and anchor chain of the Fitburg vessel have dragged along the seabed for at least several tens of kilometres before reaching the point of damage to the telecommunications cable owned by Elisa.

To ensure the continuation of the investigative actions, the joint operation of the authorities will proceed. The Helsinki Police Department is leading the operation, supported by the Border Guard. The National Bureau of Investigation is responsible for the criminal investigation into the case.