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Swedish police destroy object outside Israeli embassy in Stockholm

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A “dangerous object” discovered outside the Israeli embassy in Stockholm has been destroyed by Swedish police, following what the Israeli ambassador labeled an “attempted attack.” The incident prompted a significant police cordon, though no injuries were reported. Authorities have not provided detailed information about the object, but it was described as a “live” device by embassy staff, leading to its assessment and subsequent controlled destruction by the national bomb squad.

The Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, characterized the situation as “very serious,” and the country’s Security Service is actively investigating to determine those responsible. As a precaution, increased surveillance has been implemented around the embassy and Jewish institutions in the area.

The Israeli ambassador expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the Swedish authorities, asserting that acts of terrorism would not intimidate them. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ebba Busch, expressed her dismay at the incident, highlighting the frightening level of hatred against Israel and calling for a concerted effort to stop violent extremism.

Police are currently conducting an investigation into the incident and have not yet identified the individuals or groups behind the placement of the suspicious device. The embassy, located in Stockholm’s affluent Ostermalm area, remains under scrutiny in the aftermath of the attempted attack.

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Swedish court clears dual national Skvortsov of spying for Russia

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In Stockholm, a Russian-born Swedish man, Sergei Skvortsov, has been cleared by a court of charges relating to alleged unlawful intelligence activities against the US and Sweden. The 60-year-old, who operated import-export businesses, was accused of transmitting Western technology to Russia’s military intelligence service over a nine-year period from 2013 to 2022. Throughout the trial, Skvortsov has maintained his innocence.

His defense lawyer, Ulrika Borg, expressed his relief at the verdict, although prosecutors still have three weeks to appeal. The prosecution, led by Henrik Olin, contended that Skvortsov functioned as a “procurement agent,” facilitating the supply of electronics to Russia’s military and its GRU military intelligence service. Olin sought a five-year prison term for Skvortsov, characterizing him as a serious threat to US and Swedish security.

Skvortsov and his wife were arrested in a dramatic dawn raid conducted by special forces in November 2022. However, his wife was subsequently released without charge. The trial largely took place behind closed doors, and testimony was provided by an FBI official.

Although the judge acknowledged that Skvortsov had engaged in many of the activities outlined by the prosecution, he emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that Skvortsov’s actions were intended for espionage purposes. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of Skvortsov’s acquittal.

The case occurred amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions in Sweden concerning espionage, with the country applying for membership in NATO in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In a separate incident, a couple in their mid-50s was arrested on suspicion of handling classified information, with the wife having a background in intelligence work for Sweden’s military. Her husband, a former high-ranking military officer, has denied the allegations.

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