Finnish police announced on June 5 that they have identified four suspects in connection with damage to two subsea telecommunications cables in the Gulf of Finland that occurred in late 2025 [1, 2, 3]. The cables connect Finland to Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, and Sweden, affecting communications between Nordic and Continental Europe [3].
Authorities investigated the case under allegations of aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications [1, 2]. On December 31, 2025, Finnish authorities seized the cargo ship Fitburg on suspicion of damaging the cables between Helsinki and Estonia [1, 2].
Three of the four suspects currently remain subject to travel bans [1, 2]. Finnish police have not disclosed the suspects' nationalities, though public attention has focused on a Chinese cargo ship, Yi Peng 3, which was in the area at the time [3].
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has completed its preliminary probe and referred the case to prosecutors for possible charges [1, 2]. The Baltic Sea region has been on high alert due to multiple disruptions to network and infrastructure since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022, with NATO increasing military presence in the area [1].
Officials have not announced the next procedural steps following the prosecutor review, but the investigation closure marks a key milestone. The seizure of the Fitburg ship remains part of the ongoing inquiry.
