Sweden’s Security Police (Säpo) has warned that Russia is attempting to recruit drug addicts to carry out acts of sabotage within the country. The intelligence was revealed by Swedish broadcaster TV4.
According to TV4, Säpo has gathered intelligence indicating that Russia has begun targeting individuals with drug dependencies as potential saboteurs. The security agency believes that such individuals attract less suspicion, making them suitable operatives for foreign states looking to conduct covert acts of sabotage.
A source cited by TV4 stated that Sweden has received specific information confirming that drug addicts have been recruited for sabotage operations in exchange for payment. In response, Säpo has instructed Swedish police to increase vigilance, particularly around critical infrastructure and socially significant locations in designated areas of the country, to prevent possible acts of sabotage by foreign entities.
When approached for comment, Säpo did not confirm the details reported by TV4 but acknowledged that similar incidents have been uncovered elsewhere in Europe. “There are multiple examples of this type of activity being exposed across the continent,” a spokesperson for the security agency stated.
Sweden has identified Russia as the most significant threat in its new national security strategy, unveiled last year. The country has been on heightened alert due to concerns over hybrid threats, espionage, and acts of subversion linked to Russian intelligence operations.
The revelation comes on the same day that Lithuanian authorities alleged Russian involvement in a sabotage attempt on their territory. According to Lithuanian officials, a suspect accused of setting fire to an IKEA store last summer was acting under Russian orders.
The latest intelligence underscores ongoing concerns about Russia’s covert activities in Europe. As Sweden continues its efforts to bolster national security, authorities remain on high alert for potential threats linked to foreign interference.
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