WANA (Nov 23) – Norwegian authorities have arrested a 20-year-old student employed as a security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo on charges of espionage for Iran and Russia.

 

The individual was detained during a home investigation amid accusations of endangering national security by allegedly sharing sensitive information with foreign powers. The student, who studies Security and Emergency Preparedness at the Arctic University of Norway (UiT), also runs a private security company with dual-nationality partners. His dual roles raise significant concerns about how sensitive information could be leaked, especially given heightened tensions between Norway, the United States, and Russia since the onset of the Ukraine war.

 

Norway’s domestic intelligence agency (PST) arrested the individual on Wednesday after uncovering evidence purportedly linked to his alleged espionage activities.

 

Reports suggest that the evidence includes interactions with individuals suspected of facilitating his intelligence operations. The PST further claimed that the detainee admitted to gathering information for foreign governments but denied the charges of espionage.

 

John Christian Elden, his defense attorney, stated: “While he admits working for foreign entities, he denies espionage charges, asserting that the information collected was not harmful to the national security of any third party.”

 

This contradiction presents legal challenges for both the defendant and Norway’s judicial system, as it navigates balancing national interests against international legal complexities.

 

Norway’s security concerns have intensified due to its 198-kilometer border with Russia. Following the escalation of hostilities over the Ukraine conflict, Norway has imposed strict entry regulations on Russian nationals. This has sparked debates about constructing fortified structures along the border to prevent potential espionage and unauthorized crossings.

 

Additionally, local police are currently reviewing the operational license of the security company co-managed by the suspect and his business partner, who holds Norwegian and Eastern European citizenship.