An Oslo court convicted a 28-year-old Norwegian man of spying for Russia and Iran on Wednesday. The court sentenced him to three years and seven months in prison for espionage.
Prosecutors said the man, a former US Embassy security guard, shared sensitive information including diplomats’ details, floor plans, and security routines, according to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK.
He admitted to the facts listed in the indictment but denied any criminal wrongdoing. NRK reported that the man contacted Russian and Iranian officials after growing anger over US ties to Israel and the war in Gaza.
Defence Challenges Espionage Definition
The man’s defence attorneys argued that the verdict raises questions about what qualifies as espionage under Norwegian law.
“He exaggerated his access and lied about having clearance,” said attorney Inger Zadig from Elden Law Firm.
Zadig said the man’s role resembled that of a janitor and claimed the data he shared was useless.
“The information could not harm anyone or threaten any state’s security,” she added.
The Oslo court found him guilty on five espionage-related counts but cleared him of gross corruption.
Prosecutor Carl Fredrik Fari said his team might appeal the sentence, as the state requested more than six years in prison. Defence lawyers are also considering an appeal to challenge the conviction.
Case Highlights Rising Spy Tensions in Norway
Police arrested the man last November while he studied security and preparedness at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. NRK noted that it was the second espionage case connected to the university in recent years.
In 2022, Norwegian police detained a UiT guest researcher posing as a Brazilian named José Assis Giammaria. Investigators later identified him as Mikhail Valeryevich Mikushin, a Russian national, who was later released in a prisoner swap with Moscow.
Norway shares a 198-kilometre Arctic border with Russia. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Norway has tightened entry rules for Russian citizens. The government also announced plans to build a border fence to strengthen national security.
