Gulf of Finland cable damage leads to arrest of two ship crew members

Finnish police arrested two crew members after damage was found to an undersea telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland; authorities have opened criminal and customs investigations that are ongoing.

Finnish police arrested two members of a cargo ship's crew after damage was discovered to an undersea telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland between Finland and Estonia. The cable is owned by Finnish provider Elisa and is described as critical infrastructure. Helsinki police have opened a criminal investigation and Finnish Customs is also conducting inquiries related to the ship's cargo. Authorities have not announced further legal steps. Key details: - The damage was discovered in Estonia's exclusive economic zone and involved an Elisa undersea telecommunications cable. - Helsinki police arrested two crew members and reported travel bans on two other crew members as part of the ongoing probe. - Police said they have opened investigations into aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. - Finnish Customs reported finding structural steel of Russian origin in the ship's cargo and is investigating possible violations of EU sanctions. Summary: The incident involves damage to critical undersea communications infrastructure linking Finland and Estonia, and authorities have detained crew members and launched criminal and customs inquiries. Investigations are ongoing and further legal or procedural steps remain undetermined at this time.