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Russia Could Use Properties in Sweden as Bases for Espionage and Sabotage
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Russian-owned properties across Sweden could potentially be used as bases for espionage and sabotage, according to politicians and security experts, as the country still lacks legislation capable of preventing such property acquisitions.
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According to SVT on September 21, properties with Russian owners are located across Sweden, and the Swedish Security Service (Säpo) has identified foreign-owned real estate as a potential security concern.
A survey conducted by the Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI) identified 247 properties across the country owned by Russian actors.
However, the actual number could be considerably higher. FOI researchers had to manually examine around 10,000 names of property owners registered as living abroad. Properties belonging to foreign owners who reside in Sweden do not appear in the relevant registers at all.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said intelligence-gathering activities in Sweden have increased, while Peter Hultqvist, the Social Democrats’ defense policy spokesperson, noted that the security concerns extend beyond properties located near military facilities.
“Russia is waging a hybrid war against Sweden and other countries. This could involve properties that could be used for sabotage in Sweden, espionage, or other efforts to undermine Swedish society,” Hultqvist said.
He also criticized the pace of Sweden’s response to the issue, saying that the previous years “have not been used optimally.”
According to SVT, Sweden has spent nine years examining the issue, yet no legislation has been introduced to prevent such property purchases.
Concerns over Russian-owned real estate have already surfaced in a case involving a property near the Muskö naval base in the Stockholm Archipelago. The Swedish Armed Forces have submitted a formal request to the government to take control of the 600-square-meter property, which is owned by the family of Russian businessman Stanislav Aleshchenko.
SVT reported on August 25 that the military justified the request on national security grounds, noting that the property is the only plot bordering the strategically important naval base that remains outside military control.
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