Norwegian intelligence warns of heightened threat from Russia and China
Norwegian intelligence services warn of the greatest threat from foreign countries in decades, identifying Russia and China as the main perpetrators.
Norwegian intelligence services alarm that in 2025, the threat to the country's security from foreign nations will reach its highest level in decades. Russia and China have been identified as the primary authors of potential sabotage and subversive activities.
According to forecasts from the Norwegian intelligence agency, Russia will focus on sabotage, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and inciting social unrest. Meanwhile, China is expected to mainly act in the cyber realm, making Norway particularly vulnerable to disruptions in telecommunications networks.
Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes, head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, emphasised that the Russian military intelligence GRU could be responsible for future attacks on infrastructure in Norway and Europe.
He stated that the impact of foreign intelligence services in 2025 will be more significant.
Collaboration with local criminal groups
According to the report, the Kremlin uses local criminal groups to carry out hostile acts in Scandinavia. This requires Norwegian services to cooperate more closely with the police, with more experience in criminal environments.
Beate Gangaas, head of the Police Security Service (PST), indicated that Norway's democratic institutions and legal system are particularly vulnerable to Russian actions. Moscow aims to decrease public support for aid to Ukraine by supporting entities that promote a change in Norway's approach to Kyiv. Russia may use opinion makers, fake identities online, and well-known figures from the business and cultural worlds to influence election outcomes.
Gangaas emphasized their responsibility to safeguard Norway's constitutional stability and security from foreign interference.
Chinese activity in the digital space
According to Norwegian services, China will be particularly active in the digital space, focusing on acquiring data about Norwegians. These activities aim to convey beneficial content for Beijing via popular shopping platforms.
Norwegian services also warn of the threat from Islamic radicals and the far-right, who are said to focus on the youth. Both groups will use social media for recruitment, which has already occurred in the attacks on Israeli institutions in Copenhagen and Stockholm in 2024.
