US embassy security guard in Norway spied for Russia and Iran
A Norwegian spyed for Russia and Iran (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Oslo police have arrested a 20-year-old man who worked at the US Embassy, charging him with collaborating with intelligence services from Iran and Russia, reports NRK.
According to the Norwegian Police Security Service, the arrested individual worked as a security guard at the US Embassy in Oslo. Authorities conducted a large-scale investigation and seized significant amounts of digital data.
Preliminary findings suggest that the man may have passed on information that poses a threat to US security interests. It remains unclear which specific data was transmitted and what consequences this may have caused.
Court records indicate that the suspect was in contact with a so-called handler who oversaw his activities as a spy.
Additionally, the defendant was involved in the security business in Norway. The company's page in the digital archive states that it offers security services for diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy.
At the same time, investigators found that at the time of the arrest, the company registered in the suspect's name was operating without income or expenses and that he earned approximately 200,000 Norwegian kroner in 2022, which is roughly 18,000 USD.
The man has been charged with gathering information that could harm the security of other nations, and he faces up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, he is suspected of engaging in other illegal activities that could harm the interests of third countries. This offense carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
The suspect denies his guilt but has agreed to remain in custody for four weeks. The prosecution will need to prove whether the information he gathered falls under the provisions of the Criminal Code.
The US Embassy in Norway has not yet provided any comments regarding the case. The police stated that cooperation with American authorities continues, and all the circumstances of the case will be thoroughly examined.
Russian spies in Norway
In December 2023, Norwegian intelligence services detained a Russian intelligence agent. He was officially employed at the University of Tromsø under a false identity and possessed counterfeit Brazilian citizenship documents.
Russian intelligence services also attempted to recruit a Norwegian citizen. His task was to photograph military sites in the northern part of the country and relay the images to the Kremlin.
Additionally, Norway expelled 15 members of Russian intelligence, some of whom held diplomatic status and positions.
