HELSINKI, Finland — On Wednesday, Finnish officials announced the initiation of an inquiry into a data cable that was damaged beneath the Baltic Sea. This development adds to an ongoing investigation in Sweden regarding potential sabotage involving that cable and another link.
The damaged C-Lion1 cable, which connects Finland and Germany, suffered its rupture on Monday, just a day after a similar incident impacted a cable running between Lithuania and Sweden. Both occurrences took place near the Swedish islands of Oland and Gotland. In response, Germany’s defense minister remarked on Tuesday that the damage appears to hint at sabotage, though concrete evidence remains elusive.
In light of these events, Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation reported that they have launched a criminal investigation into the C-Lion1 cable’s damage, focusing on potential charges of “aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with communications.”
Meanwhile, Swedish authorities previously initiated a preliminary inquiry on Tuesday regarding the two incidents, expressing interest in a vessel that had been spotted in the respective areas. On Wednesday, they indicated that “Swedish police and prosecutors are also interested in a ship that has been seen at the locations in question.”
While specific details about the vessel haven’t been disclosed, officials mentioned that it “is not currently in Swedish waters.” As investigations continue, reports have surfaced about a Chinese-flagged ship, the Yi Peng 3, being in the vicinity during the time the cables were damaged.
Marine Traffic’s vessel tracking data showed that the 225-meter (738-foot) bulk carrier was stationary off the Danish coast in the Baltic Sea on Wednesday afternoon. Efforts to reach the Royal Danish Navy for comments on the matter have yet to elicit a response.
