Event c3430d04-088f-419f-bf36-1c88545a9bfb

Approved event from Hybrid War Tracker

Status: Approved Confidence: High Classification: Intelligence & Espionage > Human Intelligence (HUMINT) > Recruitment of locals Country: Sweden Country: Russia Where: Land Node: Node 2: 5th Column Tag: sweden Tag: russia Tag: espionage Tag: it Tag: security Tag: cybersecurity Tag: military Aggressor Defense Confidence: High

Source: https://united24media.com/latest-news/former-swedish-militar ...

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Event Time

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Created

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Updated

Summary

Headline: Former Swedish Military IT Consultant Arrested as Alleged Russian Spy

Short Summary: A 33-year-old former Swedish military IT specialist was arrested on January 4, 2026, on suspicion of spying for Russia, formally placed in custody on January 7 in Stockholm.

Extended Summary: Swedish authorities arrested a 33-year-old former military IT consultant suspected of espionage for Russia, with potential links to Russian intelligence services. The suspect was detained on January 4, 2026, and formally placed in custody by the Stockholm District Court on January 7. Prosecutors allege the individual operated under Russian intelligence influence, though details remain classified. The case is under investigation by the Swedish Security Service (Säpo). The suspect previously worked as a consultant for a Swedish IT company supporting the military between 2018 and 2022, and later founded a cybersecurity consultancy focused on 'offensive cyber operations.' Alleged offenses occurred between January 2025 and January 2026. Swedish authorities have not disclosed if classified information was compromised. This arrest comes amid broader Russian espionage concerns in Sweden, including investigations into Russian Orthodox Church activities in Västerås.

Description

Swedish Security Service Säpo arrested a 33-year-old former military IT specialist suspected of spying for Russia. The suspect was detained on January 4, 2026, and placed in custody on January 7 by the Stockholm District Court. Prosecutors allege links to Russian intelligence but details are classified. The suspect worked as a consultant for a Swedish IT company supporting the military (2018-2022) and later founded a private cybersecurity firm providing offensive cyber operations services. Alleged spying offenses took place from January 2025 through January 2026. Authorities have not confirmed whether classified information was compromised. The case forms part of ongoing Russian espionage concerns in Sweden, including investigations related to the Russian Orthodox Church.

Event Classification

Aggressor Event Defense Preparation Event

Rationale

Classified as aggressor because the event involves confirmed espionage activities linked to Russian intelligence against Sweden. Classified as defense because Swedish authorities, including Säpo, have arrested the suspect and are actively investigating and countering Russian espionage, representing clear defensive and counterintelligence actions.

Evidence

Quotes

"This is a very sensitive investigation," said senior prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist.

"The man is being held on suspicion of 'serious espionage'."

"The suspect, a resident of central Sweden, was employed as a consultant by an IT company contracted to support Sweden's military between 2018 and 2022."

"In 2024, he founded his own cybersecurity consultancy, which publicly offered services involving 'offensive cyber operations'."

"Alleged offenses are believed to have occurred between January 2025 and January 2026."

Prosecutors have not disclosed whether any classified information was compromised.

Source

https://united24media.com/latest-news/former-swedish-military-it-consultant-arrested-as-alleged-russian-spy-14897