Sweden warns of increased risk of Russian sabotage attempts

Swedish authorities have warned of a heightened risk of Russian sabotage, particularly on weapons facilities, as the defence industry said it was being increasingly targeted.

- Miranda Bryant

Security companies in Sweden reported a rise in sabotage attempts, including the use of drones over company facilities to document and map them, "more aggressive" espionage, cyber-attacks and misinformation.

The warning comes after incidents believed to involve Russia across Europe in recent months including a foiled plot to assassinate the chief executive of a German arms manufacturer and a fire at a metal factory owned by a defence manufacturer in Berlin.

Karl Melin, a spokesperson for the Swedish security service (Säpo) told the broadcaster SVT: "We have for a period seen indications of an increased Russian propensity for risk, and this applies to security-threatening activities.