The report identifies Russia as the greatest threat to Sweden. The Security Service also warns of an increased risk of an even worse security situation in the future, given Russia's overall goals.
Säpo notes that Russia is more risk-averse than before and warns in particular of hybrid attacks and sabotage.
“So far, Sweden has not been subjected to extensive attempts at attacks or traditional sabotage. But we have seen attempts at destructive cyberattacks from Russia. And we know that the intelligence threat is high,” says Security Police Chief Charlotte von Essen at a press conference.
“Investigated hundreds”
At the same time, the vast majority of suspected cyberattacks, influence attempts and sabotage targeting critical societal functions that Säpo has investigated involve causes other than interference from a foreign power.
“We can state that we have investigated hundreds of suspicious incidents and events in recent years. In most of these, we have been able to establish that there are other causes,” says Säpo's operational chief Fredrik Hallström.
But Hallström emphasizes the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia.
“In order for Russia to maintain its military capability, it is completely dependent on products and technology from the West, including Sweden. An incredibly important strategic task is therefore that we must do more to make it difficult for Russia to acquire that type of material,” says Hallström.
Threat from Iran
Säpo also warns of China's ambitions to dominate world trade and technology, and of a growing threat from Iran.
“We see an increased threat to American and Israeli targets in Sweden, but also to Jews and prominent Iranian opposition figures in Sweden, who are perceived as a threat by the regime in Iran,” says Fredrik Hallström.
