Norway: Siltanews – News Desk
A student in his 20s who was working at the US Embassy in Oslo as a security guard has been arrested on suspicion of espionage.
Information has just been released by Norwegian Police that he was actually arrested on November 22 and then placed before a local court where he was remanded for four weeks.
It appears that he was theoretically undertaking the job as part of his studies on security and preparedness at the University of Tromsø which some may consider ironic.
Arrested man accused of passing on state secrets to third parties which may include Russia and Iran
He is alleged to have been involved in passing on state secrets and to have been in communication with the Russian and Iranian authorities as well as being ‘coached’ in espionage by a third party.
Press Agency Reuters reported that his attorney said “He has explained himself about his contact with intelligence agents from Russia and Iran but it is unclear whether he has had secret information that would mean that anti-espionage laws could be used against him.”
Student who it is said also owns a private security company is cooperating with police
In addition, Norwegian Police have revealed that they have seized a large amount of digital material that they are analyzing with the apparent cooperation of the arrested man who also runs a private security company.
Police are also investigating this company which is owned by the alleged spy, another Norwegian and an individual from an unidentified eastern European country.
US State Department declined to comment on allegations of espionage
In answer to an enquiry from CNN, a US State Department spokesperson told them that they “do not comment on allegations related to intelligence or personnel matters, but as always appreciate our close coordination and cooperation with the Norwegian police on a range of critical issues.”