A Norwegian man employed as a security guard at the US Embassy in Oslo has been arrested and is now in police custody, suspected of sharing sensitive information with Russian and Iranian

authorities. A court in Oslo has ordered his detention for at least four weeks while the investigation continues.

The US Embassy in Oslo, often referred to as “Fortress America,” is known for its stringent security. However, suspicions have arisen that one of its own guards may have leaked information to foreign agents.

Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) reported that the man, a Norwegian citizen in his 20s, was arrested at his home on Wednesday. He faces charges of attempted and aggravated intelligence gathering, specifically the sharing of state secrets. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Norway’s domestic intelligence agency, PST (Politiets sikkerhetstjeneste), confirmed that the suspect was employed as a security guard at the US Embassy. Prosecutor Thomas Blom stated that PST is working closely with American authorities on the case.

The suspect co-owns a security company in Oslo with another individual, a Norwegian citizen who also holds dual citizenship in an unidentified Eastern European country. The firm, which offers guard services, had been approved by Norwegian police.

Renowned defense attorney John Christian Elden is representing the accused. When asked about the man’s connection to the US Embassy, Elden responded ambiguously, saying only that his client “has worked for a foreign country.” However, court documents confirm the man’s employment at the embassy, where he may have been in a position to gather sensitive information, including details about visitors.

According to court documents, the suspect has admitted to collecting and sharing information with Russian and Iranian authorities. Police have also discovered evidence of communication with a føringsoffiser—a handler or director who oversees espionage activities.

Prosecutor Blom stated that it is still unclear what specific information was shared or attempted to be shared. However, investigators have conducted a significant “digital seizure,” suggesting they have acquired substantial electronic evidence.

The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed in line with Norwegian press norms, has no prior criminal record. He is being held in isolation for the first week of his confinement. Attorney Elden maintains that his client denies engaging in espionage or threatening the security of any nation, arguing that the nature of the information he possessed is under dispute.

The investigation is in its early stages, but the case has raised serious concerns about security at the US Embassy and the potential implications of the alleged espionage. Photo by Ahz, Wikimedia commons.