HELSINKI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Finnish and Estonian police are set to jointly investigate the breach in the Balticconnector gas pipeline and a data cable, which took place last weekend.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation announced the cooperation on Thursday, emphasizing the progress made in ascertaining the ships that had been in the area at the time.
Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Thursday that the focus is now on the ships that were in the area on the surface, rather than on underwater activities.
Both the Finnish navy and frontier guards have gathered data on maritime traffic and provided support to the police. NATO intelligence and situation reports have also been used for the probe, Yle reported.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen and Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said on Wednesday that Finland and Estonia are currently investigating the matter without NATO participation. However, NATO has pledged to give support if required. ■