Sweden says it thwarted Russian intelligence operation

Sweden's Security Service, Säpo, has identified and thwarted a Russian intelligence operation aimed at influencing decision-making in the country and discrediting Sweden, the EU and NATO, Report informs, citing Säpo.

According to the statement, the operation had been planned and coordinated for a long time by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service.

As part of the operation, Russian intelligence tried to obtain information about decision-making processes in Sweden in order to later influence public opinion.

The Swedish Security Service said an agent at one of the foreign diplomatic missions in Sweden was involved in the operation. The person's activities were carried out using covert methods and included information gathering.

"When Säpo became aware of the influence attempts, we took measures to protect Sweden's key interests and prevent further interference," said Kristoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at the service.