“This concerns a crime whose circumstances are difficult to investigate. The detonations took place 80 meters under the water on the ocean floor in the Baltic Sea”, says Mats Ljungqvist.

The investigation is being conducted by the Swedish Security Service under the management of the Public Prosecutor at the National Security Unit at the Swedish Prosecution Authority.

“There is a variety of information and reports about the sabotage against the gas pipes. The incident has obviously become an open arena for different influence attempts. These speculations do not have an impact on the ongoing investigation, which is grounded in facts and the information which has emerged from analyses, crime scene investigations and collaboration with authorities in Sweden and other countries”, says Mats Ljungqvist.

Previously, the investigation has been able to confirm that this is a case concerning gross sabotage. Analyses from objects seized during the crime scene investigations show traces of explosives on several of the foreign objects which were examined.

“Regarding the incident, there is no doubt that this is gross sabotage in international waters directed towards infrastructure, whose owner is not connected to Sweden. The focus for the Swedish investigation is primarily about examining if Swedish interest or Swedish security is threatened, for example if Swedish territory was used to carry out the sabotage”, says Mats Ljungqvist.

All seized objects and all materials have been examined and analysed carefully.

“We are carrying out a number of concrete investigative precautions. We are working unconditionally and turning over every stone and leaving nothing to chance. Our hope is to be able to confirm who has committed this crime, but it should be noted that it likely will be difficult given the circumstances”, says Mats Ljungqvist. 

Contact 

Public Prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist is available to the media to give short comments by telephone today, Thursday, between 10:00 and 12:00.

Press Service, +46 10 562 50 20