Sweden Detains Two Suspects Over Supplying Russia With Military Industry Equipment

Sweden’s Security Service has arrested two men suspected of illegally supplying Russia with advanced engineering equipment used in the war against Ukraine.

In a statement to Reuters, Deputy Head of Operations Christopher Wedelin said the suspects allegedly bypassed European Union sanctions to send the equipment to Russia. Investigators believe the components were meant to support Russia’s military industry.

Wedelin added that Russia’s defense industry still relies heavily on foreign technology, including products made in Sweden, forcing Moscow to seek covert ways to obtain restricted equipment from abroad.

Swedish authorities conducted raids at several locations in Stockholm, as well as in southern and western parts of the country, to collect evidence linked to the suspects.

According to court documents, the suspects are a Swedish citizen and a Turkish citizen. Both men were residing in Sweden.

A Stockholm court approved the arrest of the first suspect on May 8. A hearing on pre-trial detention for the second detainee was held on May 11.