Swedish Diplomat Accused of Espionage Dies Days After Release from Custody

The Swedish diplomat was detained on Sunday and kept for questioning until Wednesday, when he was released.

A veteran Swedish diplomat who was recently arrested on suspicion of espionage has died just days after being released from police custody, his attorney confirmed.

The unnamed diplomat, detained by Sweden’s security service Sapo on Sunday, was held for questioning until Wednesday before being released pending further investigation by the Swedish Prosecution Authority. His sudden death has prompted police to open an inquiry, though authorities stated there is currently “no suspicion a crime has been committed.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard told Swedish outlet Aftonbladet: 'I have been reached by the sad news that an employee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has passed away'

The diplomat’s lawyer, Anton Strand, expressed his condolences, stating, “I heard the tragic news this morning and my thoughts go to his family.” He revealed that the diplomat had denied all allegations and had filed a formal complaint against the police over their handling of the case. Strand also noted that his client sought medical attention after being released from custody.

Strand added, “The relatives also want me to closely follow the police report about assault and misconduct that their relative has already filed,” referring to possible mistreatment during the diplomat’s detention.

Public reports indicate the diplomat had served in several Swedish embassies. While Sapo has not disclosed the details of its investigation, Swedish media have reported potential links between the diplomat’s case and the abrupt resignation of national security adviser Tobias Thyberg. Thyberg resigned last week, just one day into his role, after explicit images of him from a dating app were leaked to both the government and media.

The Swedish man's lawyer Anton Strand paid tribute to his client but declined to comment on the cause of the man's death

Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed the diplomat’s death in a brief statement: “We can regrettably confirm that an employee of the foreign service has passed away. Out of concern for the relatives, we will refrain from giving further detail.”

Sapo declined to name the individual involved or provide specifics on the ongoing investigation. “I cannot go into any detail about the investigation,” a spokesperson said. “There has been a gag order regarding the interrogations that have happened.”

The sudden death, coupled with the espionage investigation and recent political scandal, has raised significant questions about internal security and the conduct of Sweden’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies.