Investigation into gross sabotage has been closed

The damage to the communications cable was discovered in the early hours of 26 January 2025, and an investigation into gross sabotage was launched. A ship that was suspected to have been involved in the damages was seized.

“The swift and resolute actions taken enabled the Swedish Security Service to secure evidence at an early stage, allowing the investigation to efficiently establish the cause of the cable damage. This was possible thanks to our close collaboration with other government agencies, especially the Coastguard, the Police Authority, and the Armed Forces”, says Christoffer Wedelin, Deputy Head of Operations at the Swedish Security Service.

The preliminary investigation clearly showed that this was not a case of sabotage. The cause of the cable damage was a combination of bad weather, faulty equipment, and poor seamanship on the ship in question. The seizure of the suspected ship was therefore suspended on 3 February 2025.

In connection with the investigation, many interrogations have been held, items have been seized and analysed, and a crime scene investigation has taken place. In the course of the investigation, the ship’s so-called black box has been analysed, along with the video footage showing an anchor that had dropped from its bracket and caused the cable damage. The overall assessment is that the damage was accidental. As there was no intentional act, the prosecutor has decided to close the investigation.

“If and when our national security is affected, our Service, together with other agencies, will take action to determine the underlying causes”, says Christoffer Wedelin.

Seizure of suspected ship in the cable damage incident is suspended - Säkerhetspolisen