Finnish police arrest two crew members after undersea cable damage

Finnish police arrested two crew members after damage was found on an Elisa undersea cable; two other crew were placed under travel bans and an investigation has been opened.

Finnish authorities say damage was found to an undersea telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland and two members of a cargo ship's crew have been arrested in connection with the incident. Helsinki police have opened an investigation into aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Finnish Customs reported finding Russian-origin structural steel in the ship's cargo that may fall under EU sanctions. Known facts: - Damage to an Elisa-owned undersea cable was discovered early Wednesday in Estonia's exclusive economic zone. - Helsinki police have arrested two crew members and placed two other crew under travel bans as part of the inquiry. - The ship, named the Fitburg, was flagged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and had 14 crew members who were detained by Finnish authorities. - Police say the investigation covers aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications, and Finnish Customs is examining possible sanctions breaches. Summary: The arrests and travel restrictions reflect an active criminal investigation into damage to critical telecommunications infrastructure and related customs questions. Investigators have not publicly assigned blame to any state actor. Undetermined at this time.