A former security guard at the US Embassy in Norway has been convicted of espionage, allegedly spying for both Russia and Iran. The 28-year-old Norwegian, whose name hasn’t been released, was handed a sentence of three years and seven months on Wednesday, as reported by the Associated Press.
According to a police official, the suspect was employed at the US Embassy in Oslo during his arrest last November. As of Thursday, the State Department had not issued a response to inquiries from FOX News Digital.
Prosecutors allege that he provided sensitive information, including details about embassy diplomats, security protocols, and floor plans. NRK, a state broadcaster in Norway, noted that events such as US-Israel relations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza may have influenced the man’s actions.
While the suspect acknowledged his actions, he has refrained from accepting full responsibility for them. His attorney expressed concern over the ruling, questioning what espionage truly entails within the framework of Norwegian law.
Inger Zadig, the lawyer from the Elden law firm, stated, “He misled foreign agents regarding his security clearance and overstated his role.” She added that his access was comparable to that of a janitor at the embassy, suggesting that the information he shared lacked significance and did not endanger anyone’s safety or national security.
The defendant faced five counts of espionage but was acquitted on charges of gross corruption. Now, his legal team is contemplating an appeal against the ruling.
At the time of his arrest, he was also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in security and preparedness at Norway’s Arctic University, UiT.
