The police have continued the investigation into the events in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with other authorities. A tactical operation by the authorities began after multiple cables were ruptured in the Baltic Sea on Christmas Day, 25 December.
The Helsinki Police Department is leading the multi-agency operation that has been ongoing around the clock for two days
The National Bureau of Investigation is responsible for the criminal investigation into the ruptured sea cables, with the suspected offense being aggravated criminal mischief.
The criminal investigation and other investigative measures in the maritime area are still ongoing.
Police and Border Guard tactical units secure criminal investigation on board
The purpose of the criminal investigation is to look into the involvement of the cargo ship Eagle S in the cable rupture in the Gulf of Finland on 25 December. A Finnish Defence Forces Rauma-class missile boat and the Border Guard patrol vessel Uisko operate in the area.
The criminal investigation on the vessel is secured by the police rapid response unit Karhu and the Border Guard tactical team.
The Finnish Defence Forces and Border Guard helicopters have transported staff members of the authorities to and from the vessel.
– Investigative measures have been taken on the vessel, including collecting material. Analysis of that material is already on the way. Interviewing members of the crew has also been in the focus of the investigation. Although we needed to move fast at the start of the criminal investigation, it is ultimately a question of a challenging and time-consuming process, says Tactical Leader, Detective Chief Inspector Sami Paila.
Customs detained the fuel cargo on board
The Border Guard is supporting the police in the investigation of the seabed. That is why the patrol vessel Turva is heading to the site of the Estlink 2 cable rupture today, 27 December, to conduct underwater investigation. Investigators of the National Bureau of Investigation are participating in the crime scene investigation aboard the patrol vessel Turva.
– The Border Guard is supporting the police with equipment and personnel suitable for maritime operations. Current circumstances allow for full-scale operations in the Gulf of Finland, says Deputy Commander of the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard Mikko Hirvi.
In addition to the criminal investigation conducted by the police, Customs is making preliminary inquiries on-site in regard to a suspected aggravated regulation offence and is looking into details concerning the cargo.
– Customs has detained the vessel's cargo of fuel and is continuing the preliminary inquiries related to a possible aggravated regulation offence, explains Director of Enforcement Hannu Sinkkonen.
Edited 27.12. at 2:45 pm. Mr. Sinkkonen's name has been added to the end of the press release.
