Espionage at the US Embassy in Norway. Former US Embassy Guard in Norway Jailed for Spying for Russia and Iran. A Norwegian court in Oslo has sentenced a 28-year-old former US Embassy security guard to 3 years and 7 months in prison for spying for Russia and Iran, according to national broadcaster NRK.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | 28-year-old Norwegian citizen |
| Spied for | Russia and Iran |
| Sentence | 3 years, 7 months |
| Charges | 5 counts of espionage, acquitted of corruption |
| Leaked info | Data on diplomats, building layouts, security procedures |
| Education | Arctic University of Norway |
| Arrested | November 2024 |
Security leak Norway
Defense attorney Inger Zadig of the Elden law firm stated that the ruling challenges Norway’s legal definition of espionage.
“He exaggerated his importance and misled foreign agents about his access level,” Zadig said. “In reality, his clearance was comparable to that of a janitor. The data he shared was useless and posed no real threat to national security.”
The defendant was convicted on five espionage-related charges but acquitted of aggravated corruption. Both the defense and prosecution are considering appeals, as the state initially sought a six-year prison sentence.
Background
Prosecutors say he shared sensitive embassy data, while defense lawyers argue he had no real access to classified material. Both sides plan to appeal.
This is the second espionage case at the Arctic University in recent years.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Norway tightened border and intelligence controls, including a proposal to fence its 198-km border with Russia.