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Swedish security service dismantles Russian intelligence operation in Stockholm

Sweden’s security agency announced it has disrupted a Russian spy network that sought to influence policy and tarnish the country and its allies.

Sweden’s security agency, SAPO, reported that it has successfully broken up a Russian espionage effort directed by the SVR foreign intelligence service. The scheme employed three agents who used diplomatic immunity as a façade to conduct activities intended to influence Swedish policy and undermine the nation’s standing with the EU and NATO. SAPO officials said they were able to observe the participants’ meetings, hear what was discussed, and learn about the tasks assigned to them.

After gathering sufficient evidence, the three individuals departed Sweden, and the operation was halted. The agency declined to reveal further specifics about the investigative steps taken. The Russian embassy in Stockholm did not answer requests for comment.

Why it matters

It shows active counter-intelligence efforts against Russian influence operations in Europe.

In this story

Russian spy plotSwedish security serviceSVRdiplomatic immunityintelligence operationEUNATOcounter-intelligence