Russia May Use Real Estate in Sweden as Bases for Espionage

Russia may use houses and other real estate purchased in Sweden as bases for espionage or sabotage.

SVT television channel reported on this.

According to a study conducted by the Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI), at least 247 properties owned by Russians have been identified in the country.

FOI researchers manually verified approximately 10,000 names of owners residing outside Sweden. However, the data does not include properties owned by foreign nationals residing in Sweden. Therefore, the actual number may be higher.

The Swedish Security Service (Säpo) already views Russian property within the country as a potential threat to national security.

Among the risks, the intelligence agency cites the possibility that foreign states could use these properties for intelligence activities and other operations.

In its latest security assessment, Säpo identifies Russia as Sweden’s greatest threat and notes that Moscow continues to conduct intelligence activities, influence operations, and preparations for potential sabotage.

One specific case involves the island of Muske, where a Swedish naval base is located. The Swedish military is attempting to acquire a private home situated near the military facility. A Russian citizen owns the property.

The Swedish military explains its actions by citing the home’s proximity to the naval base and the overall security situation.

At the same time, Swedish law does not currently give the state a general mechanism to block real estate acquisitions on national security grounds. Over the past nine years, authorities have conducted two investigations into this issue, but no corresponding bill has been introduced.

The issue has gained new momentum in Sweden after the government began considering forcibly purchasing real estate that could threaten national security. A new government commission is tasked with preparing proposals for relevant legislative changes by March 15, 2027.

Separately, the Swedish Social Democrats are proposing to tighten controls on the sale of state-owned land and real estate in sensitive areas, particularly in the archipelagos near important military facilities.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Swedish Armed Forces had appealed to the government to confiscate Russian real estate near an underground naval base in the Stockholm archipelago.