Counter-espionage

The Swedish Security Service, as part of its counter-espionage efforts, actively gathers intelligence for the purpose of analysing and countering foreign espionage and security-threatening activities.
Espionage is illegal, and has to be concealed from the host country’s security service. Other countries therefore use a variety of clandestine methods. Clandestine actions, for instance using false names or cover positions, are inherent in carrying out espionage and serve to project a false image of what is actually going on.

Several countries engage in various forms of intelligence activities against Sweden, e.g. espionage or unlawful intelligence activities targeting refugees. Intelligence activities are carried out in order to attain a country’s security policy objectives and strengthen its power and information advantage.

Counter-espionage is included in the Swedish Security Service’s remit. Therefore, the Service actively gathers information for the purpose of analysing and countering foreign espionage and security-threatening activities. Some information may lead us to carry out surveillance or talk to informants and, from there, take various measures to counter security-threatening activities carried out by foreign powers. The information may also cause us to open a criminal investigation into suspected offences against Sweden’s security.

Offences against Sweden’s security

The Swedish Security Service investigates all indications that individuals have been tasked by another country to engage in espionage against Sweden. Chapter 19 of the Swedish Criminal Code lists offences against Sweden's security, including espionage with a penalty of imprisonment up to lifetime in cases of gross espionage.

Preventing offences

The Swedish Security Service is tasked with preventing and countering offences against Sweden’s security. This work is carried out around the clock, through for instance information gathering and surveillance.
The Service may also share information with other public agencies who take measures to reduce the threat. For instance, a foreign intelligence officer working under diplomatic cover in Sweden could be declared persona non grata by the Government. Foreign diplomats have immunity from prosecution in Sweden. Another example concerns electronic attacks when the owner of the targeted unit or network can protect their information and interrupt the espionage.

The Service also takes measures to enhance security by reducing vulnerabilities in critical assets. This is done by identifying any such assets in Sweden that could be of interest to other countries’ intelligence services. Providing information and lectures on the intelligence threat, recruitment attempts and electronic security to people working in such environments boosts Sweden’s protective security.

More information on protective security.