A 27-year-old Norwegian security guard employed at the US Embassy in Oslo has been formally charged with espionage for allegedly supplying sensitive information to Russia and Iran, according to legal documents obtained by AFP.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, is accused of leaking confidential data between March 2024 and his arrest on November 20. Prosecutors allege he provided diplomatic contact information, details of embassy staff and their families, diplomatic vehicle licence plate numbers, embassy layout plans, security protocols, and a list of couriers used by Norway’s intelligence service.
The prosecution stated the severity of the alleged crimes stems from “the aim to reveal information to a foreign state.” Payments for the information were reportedly made in both euros and bitcoin, totaling over €17,000. Authorities claim he attempted to obscure these transactions by transferring the funds into the bank accounts of acquaintances.
Though the man has admitted to sharing some information, he denies the espionage charges, according to his lawyer, Inger Zadig, as reported by Norwegian broadcaster TV2.
If convicted, he faces up to 21 years in prison.
Norwegian intelligence has consistently identified Russia, Iran, and China as the leading espionage threats. The charges carry added significance given Norway’s strategic role as a NATO member and its Arctic border with Russia.
Written By Rodney Mbua
