Charges Filed Against Crew of Oil Tanker for Undersea Cable Damage in Nordic Waters

Finnish authorities have taken a significant step in addressing alleged criminal activity concerning undersea infrastructure by filing charges against the crew of an oil tanker, the Eagle S. The crew is accused of damaging five undersea cables while navigating between Finland and Estonia in December 2024. The charges include aggravated sabotage and aggravated interference with telecommunications, brought forth by Finland's Deputy Prosecutor General's office on Monday. The Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands, is reported to be part of Russia's shadow fleet — a consortium of vessels that operate under foreign flags to bypass sanctions. At the time of the incident, the ship was transporting oil from Ust-Luga in Russia across the Gulf of Finland. Authorities claim that the tanker dragged its anchor for approximately 90 kilometers (about 56 miles), resulting in significant disruption to undersea communications and energy supplies. This incident has raised alarms, particularly as it forms part of a series of suspected hybrid attacks targeting telecommunications infrastructure in the Nordic region towards the end of last year. These developments have put governmental leaders on high alert, leading to widespread accusations of infrastructure sabotage against Russia. The Eagle S was seized by Finnish authorities on December 26, the early hours of which involved a coordinated operation by the border guards' emergency response team and police. Following the seizure, the ship's departure was observed in February of the following year after the legal hold was lifted. The repercussions of the cable damage have been financially substantial, with estimates indicating repair costs exceeding 60 million euros, stated Deputy Prosecutor General Jukka Rappe. Moreover, the rupture of the high-capacity electricity transmission and telecommunications cables threatened the integrity of Finland's energy supply and telecommunications, although alternative connections have managed to secure services. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the crew members, including the captain and first and second officers, have denied any wrongdoing during preliminary investigations. Their legal counsel contends that Finland lacks jurisdiction over the matter, arguing that the sites of the cable damage are situated outside Finnish territorial waters. Deputy Prosecutor General Rappe countered this assertion, indicating that the characteristics and dangers posed by the alleged crimes occurred within Finnish borders, stating, "the effects of the crime materialised here in Finland." He emphasized that jurisdiction is a pivotal issue, but expressed confidence that the district court would decide appropriately. Rappe noted the trial's potential broader significance, hoping it might spur further investigations into other reported cable-cutting incidents in the region in recent years. With Finland's geographical positioning between Russia and the Baltic Sea, the country remains vulnerable to such threats, highlighting the critical nature of its undersea connections to Sweden, Estonia, and central Europe. The indictment has been officially presented to the Helsinki District Court, which is responsible for scheduling the hearing. The case will involve a dedicated team comprising a state prosecutor, a special prosecutor, and a regional prosecutor. Notably, the crew members are currently under a travel ban in Finland as the investigation progresses. While Cinia, the cable owner, has been approached for comments, Elisa has declined to provide any statements on the matter. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2