SAPO says it uncovered Russian spy operation targeting Sweden
Swedish Security Service says three people under diplomatic immunity, directed by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, tried to influence decisions and discredit Sweden and its EU/NATO partners.
The Swedish Security Service (SAPO) announced today that it has dismantled a Russian espionage operation aimed at influencing decision‑making in Sweden and at discrediting the Nordic country and its partners in the European Union and NATO.
According to SAPO, the operation was planned and directed by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). The agency said three people took part in the scheme and that they operated under the protection of diplomatic immunity.
SAPO's statement said the network sought to sway political and public debate inside Sweden and to undermine confidence in Sweden's international partners, without providing further operational details in the initial announcement.
“This is consistent with the threat that, in our assessment, Russia poses,” a SAPO spokesman said.
The announcement did not list names, specific locations or legal measures taken against the individuals; SAPO limited its public comments to the core findings and the attribution to the SVR.
Swedish authorities characterise the case as part of an ongoing pattern of foreign intelligence activity that, they say, aims to influence domestic politics and international perceptions of Sweden and its allies.
Photo: press material from the event
