Swedish Court Upholds Acquittal of Russian-Swedish Businessman on Espionage Charges

A Swedish businessman with dual Russian and Swedish citizenship has been acquitted of serious illegal espionage charges following a legal process that began with his arrest in November 2022. The man, in his 60s, was detained during a dawn raid in Nacka, Stockholm, as part of a police operation involving the national task force. He was accused of participating in activities to assist Russia in acquiring sensitive technology and intelligence against Sweden and the United States by circumventing trade restrictions through fake companies.

Initially acquitted by the Stockholm District Court in October 2023, the Svea Court of Appeal confirmed this decision on November 25, 2025. The court found insufficient evidence proving that the businessman intended to gather significant security-sensitive information that would constitute a threat to national security. The court acknowledged that while he may have sought some company information, it did not amount to espionage under Swedish law.

Judge Håkan Sellman emphasized that the evidence did not meet the required standard for conviction. Prosecutor Henrik Olin had argued the case posed a national security risk, citing efforts to supply Russia’s defense industry with technology otherwise inaccessible on the open market. However, the courts disagreed with this assessment.

During the appellate hearings, the businessman maintained his innocence, stating, "I am a businessman, not a spy." Judge Jakob Hedenmo from the district court similarly noted the prosecution failed to establish the intent necessary for an espionage conviction. The appeal judge indicated the likelihood of the Supreme Court taking up the case was low, while the prosecutor considered whether to appeal the verdict.