Trial of Former Security Advisor Henrik Landerholm Begins Amid Allegations of Negligence
Henrik Landerholm's trial for negligence concerning classified information begins today, with potential implications for national security.
Key Points
- • Henrik Landerholm faces trial for negligence regarding classified information.
- • The trial began on August 18, 2025, and is expected to last three days.
- • He admitted to forgetting classified documents that were later found by cleaning staff.
- • Landerholm resigned shortly after an investigation was launched in January 2025.
The trial of Henrik Landerholm, Sweden's former national security advisor, commenced today on August 18, 2025, following charges of negligence related to classified information. Landerholm, who was appointed in the autumn of 2022 and is known to be a childhood friend of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, faces serious allegations that have raised significant concerns about national security protocol.
The controversy surrounding Landerholm began on December 10, 2024, when he reportedly forgot his mobile phone at the Hungarian embassy and later a notebook at Sveriges Radio. However, the most critical incident occurred when he admitted to leaving behind four classified documents at Gällöfsta kursgård. These documents were discovered by cleaning staff two days after he checked out of the venue, contradicting his original assertion that they had been retrieved by an assistant. The documents were deemed to be at risk of falling into the hands of unauthorized individuals, which has raised alarms due to possible connections with extremist groups.
An investigation into Landerholm's conduct was launched on January 22, 2025. Just five days later, he resigned, stating that he could no longer fulfill his duties under the mounting scrutiny. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could lead to fines or a prison sentence of up to one year if he is found guilty.
During the trial, which is expected to last three days, nine witnesses are slated to testify regarding the events leading up to the negligence charges. This case marks a significant legal challenge in Swedish politics, as Landerholm has never previously faced any charges of this severity while serving in government roles.