The risk of sabotage in Sweden has increased, according to Säpo. This primarily concerns support for Ukraine.
We see that there is also a high threat of sabotage against support for Ukraine in Sweden, says Charlotte von Essen.
She does not want to say what the assessment is based on, but points out that attacks and threats have been directed at several countries in Sweden's vicinity.
As recently as Almedalen, I spoke about the need to be prepared for this to happen in Sweden. But the difference is that we have not previously considered Sweden a priority.
"Stop the support"
However, it has now become clear that Russia is focusing more on “tangibly” stopping military support for Ukraine.
Then Sweden and the Swedish defence industry, which supplies defence equipment to Ukraine, will also be of interest, says Charlotte von Essen.
In Germany, a drone armed with explosives was discovered in August at Leipzig Airport, near Ukrainian cargo planes. Last autumn, Poland was subjected to sabotage targeting a railway track along which weapons are transported to Ukraine.
Recently, Denmark's security service also warned that Russia was preparing sabotage against the country's defence industry.
The Säpo chief does not say whether there are any concrete plans for Russian sabotage in Sweden, or whether Russia has people here who could carry it out.
In other countries, we have seen examples of arson attacks and military equipment being targeted during transport, among other things. We need to take into account that different types of activity could occur.
No Russian sabotage has reportedly taken place so far. But Säpo has seen, among other things, that Russia has mapped security-sensitive activities.
It is mapping that could be used for later measures, says von Essen.
Increase protection
She emphasizes that it is now important for defence companies to step up security measures. These range from locks, alarms and improved information security to ensuring that personnel are trustworthy and loyal.
We are working together and maintaining a dialogue so that we can provide support in the areas where we believe action is needed.
Is it just a matter of time before something happens on Swedish soil?
We are doing everything we can to detect any planning, and to intervene and prevent it if necessary. But the threat is high, and there is no guarantee that it will not happen.
What do you think?