A Swedish diplomat recently detained and interrogated over suspected espionage has died, as confirmed by his lawyer on Friday. The individual’s identity remains undisclosed. He was held by the Swedish security service, Sapo, from Sunday until his release on Wednesday amid an ongoing investigation.
“I’m deeply saddened by this tragic news; my thoughts go out to his family,” lawyer Anton Strand conveyed to Reuters.
Strand noted that the diplomat denied any wrongdoing and had filed a complaint against the police regarding how his case was managed. He mentioned that the diplomat had sought medical attention post-release from custody.
Authorities indicated that a routine investigation was underway, but clarified, “there is no suspicion of a crime having been committed.”
The diplomat, thought to be in his 50s, had recently returned to Central Stockholm after an extended time abroad.
Reports from public broadcaster SVT indicated that Sapo is looking into potential connections between the diplomat and the abrupt resignation of Swedish national security adviser Tobias Tyberg. Notably, an intimate photo of Tyberg from the dating app Grindr was anonymously leaked to the government shortly before he stepped down.
Images aired on Swedish television showed that the diplomat’s apartment door was forcibly opened during his arrest. He had filed a complaint claiming excessive force was used, while Sapo maintained that the arrest was conducted peacefully.
Strand confirmed to the BBC that the formal report regarding the alleged mistreatment during the arrest has been received by the Special Investigation Unit, initiating an inquiry.
The Prosecutor’s office, represented by Per Lindqvist, termed the diplomat’s death as “very unfortunate” and stated that the preliminary investigation into espionage claims is still ongoing.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry issued a statement acknowledging the death but refrained from providing further details out of respect for the family involved. “It is regrettable that we have to confirm the death of a foreign service employee,” the ministry stated.
Foreign Minister Maria Malmar Stenegard expressed her sympathies, marking the day as “difficult” for those affected. Former Minister Karl Bild referred to the “tragically deceased ambassador” as “very talented and capable.”
