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Critical Fiber-Optic Cable Between Sweden and Finland Damaged, Investigation Underway
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
A fiber-optic cable connecting Sweden and Finland has been damaged, marking another incident in a series of disruptions involving critical communication infrastructure in the region.
Swedish media, including SVT, were the first to report the incident, suggesting possible foul play. However, Finnish authorities have clarified that the situation is not under criminal investigation at this stage.
The cable damage was identified in two separate locations in Finland: Espoo and Vihti. According to Global Connect, the company managing the fiber-optic network, the exact causes of the incidents remain unclear. Niklas Ekström, a spokesperson for Global Connect, noted that it is uncommon for two cables to fail simultaneously.
In Vihti, the disruption was caused by an excavator during routine construction work, as confirmed by Elisa’s security officer, Jaakko Wallenius.
He emphasized that the damage was accidental and promptly reported by the responsible party. Services were restored early Tuesday morning, and there was no impact on internet connectivity for end-users.
The situation in Espoo, however, has yet to be fully assessed. While Swedish media initially reported suspicions of sabotage, Finnish police inspector Teemu Saukoniemi stated there is currently no evidence to support criminal activity. Authorities in both countries continue to gather information.
Swedish authorities, including Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin, have highlighted the unusual nature of the circumstances. Bohlin noted that the situation is being closely monitored, with Finnish officials taking the lead in the investigation. Finland’s Cybersecurity Center is also involved, working alongside law enforcement and the private sector.
Earlier, the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 was suspected of deliberately dragging its anchor across the Baltic Sea, damaging two critical communication cables connecting Finland, Lithuania, and Germany.
Ship severed the cables while moving with its anchor down, despite its transponder being off, before being intercepted by Danish naval vessels. Investigators are probing potential links between the ship’s captain and Russian intelligence.
