Swedish authorities foil Russian intelligence operation through diplomatic mission

The Swedish Security Police (SAPO) announced on Monday that it foiled a Russian intelligence operation aimed at discrediting Sweden, involving an agent operating within a foreign diplomatic mission in the country, according to Європейська правда.

The Russian intelligence operation involved, among other things, gathering information about Sweden's decision‑making process so that Moscow could later influence contentious issues.

"One of the goals of the operation was to gather information on the decision‑making process in Sweden so that Russian intelligence services could conduct influence operations on contentious issues aimed at undermining the decision‑making process and discrediting Sweden, NATO, and the EU", noted SAPO.

Through investigative work, the Security Police was able to ascertain exactly how the Russian intelligence operation was carried out.

According to SAPO, the operation "has been planned for some time and directed by Russia's foreign intelligence service."

The statement does not specify which diplomatic mission employed the agent allegedly involved in this case.

Kristofer Wödelin, Deputy Head of SAPO's Operations Department, stated that upon learning of the operation, the Swedish Security Police "took measures to protect vital Swedish assets and counter further influence."

It was previously reported that Russian special services planned an assassination attempt on Stefan Tuman, CEO of the German drone manufacturer Donaustahl, but German intelligence foiled those plans.

In the summer of 2024, media first reported a foiled attempt by Russian intelligence services to kill the CEO of a German arms concern.

In January 2025, NATO officially confirmed that Russia intended to kill Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.

According to the Alliance, the Kremlin's plans were foiled by US and German intelligence and were only part of Russia’s efforts targeting defense industry executives across Europe.