The Swedish secret police arrested a Swedish diplomat on Sunday on suspicion of espionage, reports the Swedish State Television. According to the Chief Prosecutor of the Swedish National Security Unit, the man, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains under investigation.
“The preliminary investigation continues without the individual being detained,” Lindqvist stated in a press release from the Swedish Prosecution Authority.
The diplomat, represented by defence attorney Anton Strand, denies the allegations and maintains he has done nothing wrong. Strand welcomed the decision to lift the detention but raised serious concerns about the circumstances of his client’s arrest, describing it as a “terrifying experience.”
According to Strand, the arrest was carried out by masked, plainclothes officers who shouted in English and failed to identify themselves as police.
The diplomat was unaware of their identity until he was already in a vehicle. Strand reported that his client sustained injuries to multiple parts of his body, including neck and back pain, and is currently hospitalised. The injuries have been documented as part of a formal complaint filed against the police for assault and misconduct.
“I have personally seen the injuries,” Strand told Swedish Television. “It’s hard to imagine this will ultimately be deemed a lawful intervention.”
The diplomat has filed a police report, and Strand anticipates legal repercussions for the authorities involved.
The Swedish Security Service declined to comment on the specific operation. Spokesperson Jonathan Svensson noted that interventions are tailored to the situation, particularly to secure evidence swiftly.
“We’ve noted the media reports about a police complaint. If someone believes errors were made, they can file a report, and an investigation will determine if any misconduct occurred,” Svensson said.
SVT has reached out to the National Security Unit for further comment.
Alleged Link to National Security Advisor’s Resignation
Sources indicate the diplomat, who has served at several Swedish embassies worldwide, was apprehended in Stockholm as part of an ongoing Secret Police investigation. According to SVT, the probe may be connected to the recent resignation of Tobias Thyberg, Sweden’s national security advisor.
“It’s almost shocking for many,” said SVT political reporter Kristoffer Törnmalm, citing Foreign Ministry sources.
The investigation continues as authorities weigh the diplomat’s allegations against the police alongside the suspicions of espionage.
Source: ”Svenska diplomaten släppt – misstankar kvarstår”, SVT.se (Swedish State Television)