Sweden thwarts Russian spy operation targeting reputation and politics

Sweden's security service, Säpo, has exposed a Russian espionage operation designed to undermine Sweden's international standing and influence political decision-making. The operation, orchestrated by individuals associated with Russia's civilian intelligence service (SVR) and a diplomat from a non-European country, was based in Stockholm and operated under the shield of diplomatic immunity.

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The government takes the matter seriously and we have been well informed. But the assessment is that they have not succeeded in their purposes and that the operation could be halted.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed the operation at a press conference, stating that the government takes the matter seriously. However, he emphasized that the individuals involved "have not succeeded" in their aims and that the operation has been successfully disrupted. Säpo's investigation mapped out and halted the suspected espionage activities, preventing the individuals from being prosecuted due to their diplomatic status.

According to Säpo's assessment, a key objective of the operation was to influence "central Swedish decision-making." Minister Strömmer declined to elaborate on the specifics of this objective, reiterating that the crucial point is Russia's attempt to gather information and influence Swedish political processes, an effort that ultimately failed.

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Security Police have not gone into it today and I will not do that either. The important thing is that Russia had an operation and the purpose was to gather information about Swedish political decision-making and try to influence it according to its purposes, but it has not succeeded.

Strömmer characterized the halted operation as part of a broader pattern of foreign actors attempting to exert influence over time. He clarified that this specific operation is not directly linked to the upcoming Swedish election but reflects a broader, offensive approach by foreign entities seeking information and attempting to shape outcomes. The minister urged all individuals involved in political decision-making, whether politicians or civil servants, to remain aware of the persistent risks of foreign influence operations.

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The assessment is that this has nothing to do with the Swedish election, but that they are acting offensively by gathering information and trying to influence.