The captain of a Hong Kong-registered container vessel appeared in a Hong Kong magistrate court on Wednesday, entering a plea of not guilty to charges of damaging critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Wan Wenguo, captain of the Newnew Polar Bear, faces one count of criminal damage for allegedly damaging a natural gas pipeline and submarine telecommunications cables between Finland and Estonia in October 2023. Additionally, he pleaded not guilty to two separate charges concerning violations of marine safety requirements for his vessel.
The case emerges amid heightened security concerns regarding undersea infrastructure security in the Baltic region following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Finnish investigation authorities had previously identified the Newnew Polar Bear as responsible for damaging the Balticconnector gas pipeline, a critical energy link between Finland and Estonia. Finland subsequently sought cooperation from Chinese officials during its investigation into the incident.
The Hong Kong judicial system is handling the case due to the vessel’s registration in the special administrative region. Court proceedings revealed that approximately 18 witnesses may be called to testify as the case develops. The charge sheet, reviewed by The Associated Press, alleges that Wan, who is in his 40s, acted “without lawful excuse” and was “reckless as to whether such property would be damaged” in relation to the infrastructure damage.