Finnish authorities have arrested two individuals on suspicion of involvement in the sabotage of an undersea communications cable in the Gulf of Finland, which links Finland and Estonia, officials stated.
The damage was discovered early on Wednesday within Estonia’s exclusive economic zone and affects a submarine cable owned by Elisa. The cable is classified as critical undersea infrastructure, highlighting growing concerns over the security of vital communications networks in the Baltic region.
Helsinki Police Department said it has opened an investigation into aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and serious interference with communications.
Authorities have also imposed travel bans on two additional individuals as the investigation continues. Police have not disclosed the suspects’ nationalities or clarified any direct links to a vessel potentially involved in the incident.
Separately, Finnish Customs said it identified structural steel in a cargo shipment originating from Russia that is subject to European Union sanctions. In a statement, customs officials said the import of such sanctioned goods into the EU is prohibited under current regulations and that investigations are ongoing to determine whether EU sanctions legislation applies to the case.
Undersea cables and pipelines crossing the Baltic Sea form a critical network connecting Nordic, Baltic and Central European countries. These routes support trade, digital connectivity and energy security and, in some cases, reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies.
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