STOCKHOLM — Sweden’s Security Service (Säpo) has disrupted a Russian intelligence operation aimed at influencing Swedish decision-making and discrediting Sweden, NATO and the European Union.
According to Säpo, the operation was directed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Two Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover recruited an employee of another foreign diplomatic mission in Stockholm to act as an agent.
The recruited agent was tasked with obtaining information concerning Swedish political decision-making and the country’s relations with other states. Säpo said the information was intended to support Russian influence activities involving polarising issues and undermine decision-making in Sweden.
Säpo’s deputy head of operations, Christoffer Wedelin, said the service had monitored the operation over an extended period. Investigators documented meetings between the agent and the two Russian officers at different locations around Stockholm, including restaurants and during outdoor meetings. Information was exchanged during the meetings, and gifts were also handed to the agent.
Säpo said it had detailed knowledge of the assignments given to the agent and intervened to stop further intelligence collection. The agency assessed that the Russian operation had been prevented from achieving its objectives.
All three individuals had diplomatic immunity and therefore could not be arrested or prosecuted in Sweden. Säpo said the two Russian officers and the recruited agent have since left the country.
Säpo said it publicly disclosed the case to increase awareness of the threat posed by Russian intelligence activities. Sweden’s security service has previously identified Russian intelligence gathering, including activities conducted through diplomatic missions, as a continuing security concern.
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