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Two Russians Said They Were Just Fishing—Sweden Found Them Camped Near Saab CEO’s Home With Radios

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer
Russian leader Vladimir Putin fishes during his vacation outside the town of Kyzyl in Southern Siberia on August 3, 2009.
Illustrative image. Russian leader Vladimir Putin fishes during his vacation outside the town of Kyzyl in Southern Siberia on August 3, 2009. (Source: Getty Images)

Swedish authorities detained two Russian nationals after they allegedly set up camp near the home of a person under personal security protection, with local media identifying the resident as Saab CEO Micael Johansson, DW reported on August 11.

The two Russians, who reportedly hold residence permits in Spain, were detained on grounds related to a “threat to national security.”

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According to the report, the pair pitched a tent near the protected person’s residence and were seen using handheld radios while staying in the area.

Swedish media reported that the person living at the property was Johansson, chief executive of Saab, one of Sweden’s largest defense companies.

The Russians have reportedly said they were simply on a camping and fishing trip.

Despite that explanation, the pair could now face deportation to Russia. DW noted, however, that both have publicly opposed the Russian war against Ukraine.

Earlier, Sweden’s security service disrupted a Russian influence and espionage operation, directed by Moscow’s SVR  and run by three people under diplomatic immunity.

The operation sought to influence decision-making in Sweden and discredit the Nordic country, along with its EU and NATO allies, Reuters reported. The effort had been planned and directed by Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) noted in a statement.

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SVR (Foreign Intelligence Service)—Russia’s foreign intelligence agency responsible for espionage and intelligence operations abroad.

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