Finnish authorities have filed criminal charges against the captain and bosun of a cargo vessel in connection with an alleged anchor dragging incident that damaged undersea telecommunications infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland. Prosecutors claim the vessel's anchor was dragged along the seabed, causing significant damage to communication cables linking Finland and Estonia.

According to Finnish investigators, the vessel was intercepted and boarded by authorities after evidence suggested that its anchor had been dragged for an extended distance across the seabed. The incident reportedly resulted in the severing of telecommunications cables and damage to additional subsea connections. Authorities stated that the case posed a serious risk to communications infrastructure in the region.

The captain and bosun have been charged with aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Prosecutors allege that the damage was caused by the vessel's anchor being dragged for more than 100 kilometers before the ship was stopped by Finnish authorities.

The accused have denied the allegations. Defense representatives are expected to challenge Finland's jurisdiction over the case, arguing that the incident occurred outside Finnish territorial waters. Questions regarding legal jurisdiction have been a key issue in previous maritime infrastructure damage cases in the Baltic Sea.

Finnish authorities completed their criminal investigation earlier this month and have now moved forward with prosecution. The case is being closely watched by maritime and legal observers due to its potential implications for the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and the prosecution of incidents occurring within exclusive economic zones.