The Swedish Security Service exposed and stopped a Russian intelligence operation aimed at influencing decision-making in Sweden and discrediting the country, the EU, and NATO. The Swedish intelligence reported this on its official website.
According to the intelligence service, the operation was planned and coordinated over a long period by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. The Russian side collected information about the decision-making process in Sweden to use it to influence public issues that cause polarization.
Agent in diplomatic representation
An agent working in one of the foreign diplomatic missions in Sweden was involved in the operation. The Swedish intelligence did not specify which representation was involved. The agent received tasks to collect information that would help Russian intelligence influence decision-making and discredit Sweden, the EU, and NATO.
The Swedish Security Service noted that Russian intelligence activities are particularly aimed at Sweden’s political positions, its activities in NATO and the EU, support for Ukraine, and the country’s military capabilities.
Russian influence operations
Moscow is trying to influence Western countries that support Ukraine through espionage and influence operations. Russia collects information and uses agents to shape an agenda favorable to itself and influence the decisions of Western states.
Deputy Head of the Swedish Security Service, KRISTOFFER VEDELIN, stated: “Russian intelligence and security services continue to prioritize traditional intelligence work, recruiting people as agents.” He added that the intelligence service was able to track the agent’s activities in detail, including his meetings and the content of these contacts.
Source: Liga.net
