"We will intervene in Swedish territorial waters against actors who do not comply with maritime law," Bohlin says.
The Coast Guard and the National Police Task Force have boarded two vessels suspected of belonging to Russia's so-called shadow fleet within a short period. In both cases, Russian citizens have been arrested, suspected of, among other things, using false documents, which is a felony.
"We are seeing more proactive action from law enforcement authorities," says Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
Investigating armament
The ships sailed into Swedish territorial waters and the raids took place.
"This is partly a consequence of the Coast Guard having received both additional funding and new legal conditions to conduct the work that can result in being able to intervene against ships sailing under a false flag," he says.
On March 1 this year, the Coast Guard's capabilities for maritime surveillance were increased. In the appropriation bill for 2025, the government also pointed to the Coast Guard as an agency that needs to strengthen its preparedness and ability to act. The government is also investigating how personnel and vessels can be further armed.
"You could describe this as part of a larger change of course for Sweden with the development of total defense, a clearer focus on internal and external security," says the Minister of Civil Defense.
Threats from Russia
If there are more similar raids in the future, Bohlin says it cannot be ruled out but that it is the authorities' decision. Russia has also warned Sweden, Finland and France, which have boarded several boats recently, and said that the countries are acting with impunity.
"It is careless rhetoric and it is not consistent with reality," says Bohlin.
He does not want to speculate on the risk that Swedish authorities could encounter armed personnel on board the boats.
