Danish police are closing their investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea in September 2022, police said, adding that they did not have the "necessary basis" to lay charges, AFP reported.
"Based on the investigation, the authorities can conclude that the sabotage of the gas pipelines was intentional. At the same time, it is considered that the necessary basis for conducting a criminal case in Denmark is not present," Copenhagen police said in a statement.
Neighboring Sweden dropped its investigation in early February, citing a lack of jurisdiction, meaning that only Germany is now investigating the leaks.
Four major gas leaks were discovered along the two Nord Stream pipelines off the Danish island of Bornholm, with seismic institutes recording two underwater explosions shortly before.
The pipelines have been at the center of geopolitical tensions as Russia cut gas supplies to Europe in alleged retaliation for Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Although the leaks were in international waters, two of them were in Denmark's exclusive economic zone and two in Sweden's.
The pipelines were not in service at the time of the leaks but still contained gas that escaped through the water into the atmosphere.
Denmark, Sweden, and Germany have launched investigations into the explosions.
All three countries have kept their investigations strictly secret, which analysts say is due to the potential diplomatic ramifications of what they might reveal.
Copenhagen police said the investigation, carried out jointly with the Danish intelligence agency PET, was "complex and extensive".
She added that she was unable to "provide further comment" on the case.
Various theories have emerged that point the finger at Ukraine, Russia, or the United States. They all deny involvement. /BGNES