The Security Service works to prevent and detect espionage and unlawful intelligence activities in Sweden or against Swedish interests. Our activities in this field are carried out mainly in the form of intelligence work, aimed at gathering information that will enable us to take the necessary protection measures and detect offences. Activities and installations assessed as requiring particular protection are monitored and protected continuously.
We investigate suspected offences that have come to our attention as a result of our intelligence activities or because they were reported. The Security Service contacts a prosecutor, who decides on whether to initiate a criminal investigation. If so, the investigation is then headed by the prosecutor, and aims to find out whether an offence has been committed. Our police activities, such as house searches and interrogations, are carried out within the framework of the investigation. If the prosecutor finds that there is enough evidence, the suspect will be prosecuted and a trial will follow.
Persons enjoying diplomatic immunity cannot be prosecuted in Sweden
Should the person guilty of unlawful intelligence activities hold a cover position in their country´s embassy or consulate - and thereby enjoy diplomatic immunity - they cannot be prosecuted in Sweden. In such cases, the Security Service may contact the Government to have the person declared “Persona Non Grata", i.e. not welcome in this country. Should the Government choose to expel the diplomat, this as a rule means that the person must leave the country and will be prevented from returning to Sweden in the future.
Updated: 2011-12-19
Regional activities
Five regional units with regional offices across the country are responsible for the Service's activities in a number of counties.