Sweden’s Security Service, Säpo, has said that it disrupted a Russian intelligence operation that sought to influence Swedish decision-making and undermine the country’s reputation, NATO and the European Union.
Säpo said that the operation involved an alleged “agent” working at a foreign diplomatic mission in Sweden, although it did not identify the mission or provide details about the individual’s role. In a statement, the counter-intelligence agency said it had “gathered information on, and taken measures against, a Russian intelligence operation aiming at influencing Swedish decision-making and discrediting Sweden, NATO and the EU.”
According to Säpo, the operation had been planned and directed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, known as the SVR, for some time. The agency said one of the objectives was to obtain information about Swedish decision-making that could later be used in influence activities focused on divisive issues. The aim, it said, was to weaken Swedish decision-making while damaging Sweden’s standing and that of NATO and the EU.
The disclosure highlights the continuing attention Swedish authorities are placing on foreign intelligence activities as the country adjusts to its position as a NATO member.
Christoffer Wedelin, Säpo’s Deputy Head of operations, said that the agency acted after becoming aware of the alleged Russian intelligence activity. “Upon learning of the operation, the Swedish Security Service took action to protect vital Swedish assets and counter continued impact,” Wedelin said.
Säpo did not explain what specific measures were taken against the alleged agent or how the operation was disrupted. It also did not disclose whether the individual had been expelled, detained or otherwise sanctioned.
The agency’s decision not to identify the diplomatic mission leaves questions about the precise circumstances of the alleged operation. However, Säpo’s statement indicates that the activity was focused not only on collecting information but also on potentially using that information to influence Swedish political decision-making.
The agency said the operation involved efforts to gather information on Swedish decision-making on issues that could generate divisions within society.Rather than describing the operation as an attempt to directly alter government policy, Säpo characterised it as part of an effort to influence debates surrounding polarising issues and undermine confidence in Swedish institutions.
Russia Remains a Major Intelligence Concern
The announcement comes as Sweden continues to strengthen its security posture following its decision to join NATO. For more than two centuries, Sweden maintained a policy of military non-alignment. That position changed after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting Stockholm to seek membership of the military alliance.
Sweden formally became a NATO member in 2024, ending its longstanding policy of military non-alignment. The shift has brought Sweden more directly into the security framework of the Western alliance and has also increased the importance of countering foreign intelligence and influence activities.
Säpo has repeatedly identified Russia, alongside China and Iran, as among the main intelligence threats facing Sweden. The agency’s latest announcement therefore comes within a broader assessment of the security environment rather than as an isolated incident.
The alleged operation also illustrates the distinction between traditional espionage and broader influence activities.Säpo said the Russian operation sought information that could facilitate influence operations around polarising issues. Such activity can involve exploiting existing divisions or controversies rather than attempting to create entirely new disputes.The agency did not specify which Swedish policy areas or debates were targeted.
It also did not say whether the operation had succeeded in influencing any government decisions before authorities intervened. The lack of those details means the full extent of the alleged operation remains unclear.
Säpo’s statement, however, indicates that Swedish authorities considered the activity significant enough to take measures to protect what they described as vital national assets.The involvement of someone working at a foreign diplomatic mission is also significant because diplomatic missions can provide opportunities for intelligence services to establish contacts, gather information and develop networks.
Säpo’s identification of the SVR as the organisation behind the operation places the alleged activity within Russia’s foreign intelligence structure. The agency said the operation had been planned and directed by the service for some time, suggesting that authorities viewed it as a sustained intelligence effort rather than a single incident.
Swedish authorities have increasingly highlighted the need for vigilance against foreign intelligence activities as the country’s security environment has changed. The latest case underscores that concern, particularly as Sweden remains involved in NATO and continues to support the broader European security framework following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Säpo’s announcement does not indicate that the alleged operation posed an immediate threat to public safety. Instead, the agency’s concerns centre on the potential manipulation of information and decision-making processes. By intervening, Säpo said it sought to protect Swedish interests and prevent further effects from the operation. The agency has not provided further details about the alleged agent or diplomatic mission involved.
The case nevertheless adds to Sweden’s growing focus on foreign interference and intelligence activity, particularly from Russia, as Stockholm continues to adapt to its role within NATO and a changing European security environment.
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