Finland's operation and preliminary investigation into the oil tanker Eagle S cost the state nearly 1.4 million euros, Yle reported. The charged seamen are now seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Finnish authorities boarded the tanker on Boxing Day in 2024. The police's Bear Group and the Border Guard's readiness unit descended on the vessel and took control of it. The ship was suspected of cutting cables in the Gulf of Finland.
The Central Criminal Police then started a preliminary investigation into the cable damage.
A document obtained by Yle, prepared by the Interior Ministry's finance and planning director, states: "The operation caused the police extra personnel costs and other costs totaling about 1.390 million euros. Cost data came from police units. The director also wrote that "Finnish authorities acted quickly and prevented possible additional damage in the Gulf of Finland."
The captain and two mates of Eagle S were charged with aggravated sabotage and aggravated interference with telecommunications. The prosecution sought at least two and a half years of unconditional imprisonment at Helsinki District Court. The district court ruled it lacked jurisdiction and said the charges should be handled in the seamen's home countries or by the flag state's court.
The Court of Appeal disagreed and returned the case to Helsinki District Court. The defense said on Tuesday it is seeking leave to appeal that decision to the Supreme Court.