Rising Russian threat: Säpo alerts NATO partners to growing espionage

Swedish security services Säpo have once again highlighted the risks posed by Russian agents in NATO countries. This threat has been noted since Moscow invaded Ukraine. However, according to the Swedes, incidents indicating interference by Russian services on Swedish territory are increasing.

"For many years we have been talking about the illegal activities of foreign forces, but now we notice a difference and a tendency towards increased Russian risk-taking. This is a change we take very seriously, and we are taking actions to prevent this threat," said Karl Melin, spokesperson for Säpo, to Swedish television SVT.

The services do not disclose specific actions. However, they openly inform entrepreneurs and the public. They also strongly appeal for special attention and vigilance.

Protection is primarily required for military facilities and companies involved in military production. The association of Swedish Defence Industry representatives confirms that incidents classified as attempts to gather sensitive data are common.

The problems include cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and black PR. It frequently occurs that companies producing equipment for the military report hacking attempts.

False information about Swedish deliveries to the Ukrainian army is also being spread. As reported by "Gazeta Wyborcza", Sweden, the youngest member of NATO, has been helping war-torn Ukraine from the beginning and by 2026, the Swedes will provide the Kyiv army with military aid worth approximately £5.8 billion.

In addition, Swedish services warn that Russia is recruiting members of Scandinavian criminal groups to help carry out sabotage actions. The spokesperson for Säpo stated that this is a "new phenomenon". "Russia is able to go much further in actions threatening our security," he added.

Source: "Gazeta Wyborcza"