Finnish Border Guard’s ship Turva (front) escorts Cook Islands registered oil tanker Eagle S out to sea on March 2, 2025 near Porvoo, Finland in handout picture released by The Finnish Border Guard. Photo: Handout / Lehtikuva
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The captain and two senior officers of the oil tanker Eagle S have been charged in Finland with aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications over the severing of five submarine cables in the Gulf of Finland during Christmas 2024.
Deputy Prosecutor General Jukka Rappe said the charges also include alternative counts and will be heard at Helsinki District Court. Prosecutors allege the vessel dragged its anchor for around 90 kilometres along the seabed, damaging cables owned by telecom operator Elisa and state-owned Cinia.
The Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands and operating as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” to circumvent sanctions, had departed Russia carrying oil products. Finnish authorities suspect the damage was caused intentionally or with at least some degree of intent, citing the foreseeability of harm and the likelihood that the crew noticed they were towing something.
Rappe argued that Finland has jurisdiction because the danger and impact of the alleged offences occurred within its borders, even though the cable breaks were outside territorial waters. He said the damage created “serious danger to socially critical functions,” referring to electricity and telecommunications links.
The suspected damage cost at least €60 million in repairs. While services were maintained using alternative connections, the incident was deemed to have posed a significant threat to energy supply and communications.
All three defendants deny the charges and dispute Finland’s jurisdiction. They have been under travel bans since the investigation began. The case initially named nine suspects, but the number was later reduced.
On 26 December 2024, Finnish authorities seized the Eagle S in an operation involving the Border Guard’s rapid response unit and the police’s Karhu tactical team, who boarded the vessel at sea. The tanker remained impounded until February 2025 and left Finnish waters in March.
The court will decide on the trial schedule and, if necessary, on Finland’s jurisdiction before substantive hearings begin. A state prosecutor, a special prosecutor and a regional prosecutor have been appointed to handle the case.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
