Mission review has in the series “The Shadow War”, which is investigating Russia’s espionage activities in Sweden and the Nordic countries, has identified 13 suspected intelligence officers working at the Russian embassy in Stockholm. All enjoy immunity and are protected by the Vienna Convention.
Shortly after the review was released, the government announced that five Russian diplomats would be expelled from Sweden. It has not yet been made public which persons it applies to.
According to Per Thunholm, strategic advisor at the Norwegian Defense Academy, the information that emerged in the series is nothing new for the government and the Security Police.
– This is a long process when you have to weigh for or against, he says about the decision to expel the diplomats.
“Can follow them”
Expelling diplomats is usually followed by a response from the affected country. Sweden’s diplomatic mission in Moscow is thus probably weakened as a result of the expulsions. It is one of the factors that the government must take into account, says Per Thunholm.
– At some point we will have a diplomatic dialogue and that is the one you risk, he says.
At the same time, there may be benefits to keeping the suspected intelligence officers in the country. He also points out that the deportations do not stop espionage.
– Some researchers have pointed out that it is good that you keep track of them and can follow them, and then you can see who they meet, says Per Thunholm.
See the interview with Per Thunholm in the video player above.