Arrest of American Embassy Guard in Norway on Suspicion of Espionage for Tehran and Moscow

A Norwegian security police official announced on Thursday, November 22, that a security guard at the American embassy in Norway has been arrested on suspicion of espionage for Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to the Norwegian police official, the 20-year-old man, a citizen of Norway, was arrested on Wednesday, November 21, at his home in Oslo. A court ruled on Thursday that he will remain in jail for an additional four weeks for further investigation. His name has not been disclosed, but if found guilty, he faces at least 10 years in prison. Thomas Blum, a lawyer for the Norwegian security police, told reporters that the accused is cooperating with police officers. He added, 'We have recently reviewed information and are conducting necessary investigations.' Additionally, the accused is suspected of participating in other illegal activities that could harm the interests of third countries, which could lead to up to three years in prison. Jan Christian Elden, the defense lawyer for the detained guard, stated that his client had been in contact with intelligence officers from Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, but it is unclear whether he possessed confidential information that could be used against him under anti-espionage laws. According to Reuters, the American embassy in Oslo has not yet commented. The Norwegian police stated that cooperation with American authorities is ongoing and the case will be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran had not officially responded by the time Reuters published the report.