“”It is becoming more and more obvious that foreign powers are trying to influence elections around the world. Sweden is not immune. We can note there are influence operations against Sweden and we expect such operations, aimed at next year’s election.” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven

The Head of SAPO — Sweden’s domestic intelligence agency — has warned the Swedish government and opposition members about “the importance of security and safety measures” ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections. Follow us on Twitter: @INTEL_TODAY

During a meeting held on Friday (March 31 2017), Anders Thornberg — the Director-General of SAPO — described the nature of the threat and what actions could be taken during an attack.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told Swedish broadcaster SVT :

“It has become increasingly obvious that foreign powers are trying to influence an election and its outcome.” “Obviously Russia was active in the U.S. elections and we cannot assume that we are immune.”

The parliamentary elections are expected to be held on September 9, 2018.

About Säpo

The Swedish Security Service (Swedish: Säkerhetspolisen abbreviated Säpo, until 1989 Rikspolisstyrelsens säkerhetsavdelning abbreviated RPS/Säk) is a Swedish government agency organised under the Ministry of Justice.

SAPO operates like a security agency responsible for counter-espionage, counter-terrorism, the protection of dignitaries and the constitution. The Swedish Security Service is also tasked with investigating crimes against national security and terrorist crimes. [WIKIPEDIA]

Anders Thornberg

Bengt Anders Ingvar Thornberg (born 1959) is the current Director-General and Head of the Swedish Security Service (Säpo). he was appointed on 5 July 2012. Thornberg has been an employee of the security service since 1990, notably serving as deputy chief of the security service since July 1, 2011.

REFERENCES

Swedish spooks brief lawmakers of election meddling risk — FOX NEWS

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SWEDEN — SAPO: “Foreign Powers are trying to influence elections”