Säpo Criticized for Security Lapses Around Prime Minister's Couple

Swedish security service Säpo is under fire after a reporter from Aftonbladet gained access to the prime minister's wife's bedroom with minimal vetting. The reporter posed as a volunteer at the couple's private estate, Fållökna, using a fake name and an AI-manipulated photo. After a six-day wait, the reporter was invited to the property and reportedly allowed into private areas without thorough checks by Säpo bodyguards.

Security experts have voiced strong concerns about the apparent lapse in security protocols. Jörgen Holmlund, a security expert with extensive experience, stated that Säpo has a "damned duty" to ensure the protection of protected persons, regardless of whether the individuals themselves understand the need. He emphasized that an invitation from the prime minister's household alone is insufficient for entry.

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It is Säpo's damned duty to ensure the protection of protected persons, whether the protected persons themselves understand it or not.

Wilhelm Agrell, a professor emeritus in intelligence analysis, echoed these concerns, telling Aftonbladet that "so many risks can be piled on top of each other." He highlighted potential threats such as the installation of listening devices or preparations for attacks. The estate, co-owned by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and his wife Birgitta Ed, is currently rented out to a church foundation co-founded by Ed, which regularly invites volunteers for renovation and maintenance work.

Säpo has stated that it takes the protection of the prime minister and his family very seriously but declined to comment further on the specific incident. The Prime Minister's press chief, Hanna Strömberg, referred all security-related questions to Säpo.

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Here there are so many risks that they can be piled on top of each other.