A Russian woman has been detained and questioned in Denmark on suspicion of aiding a foreign intelligence agency in operating within the country. The Danish domestic security service, PET, revealed that the woman is facing preliminary charges related to enabling a foreign intelligence service to conduct activities in Denmark, including propaganda efforts.
The woman, who remains unnamed, was apprehended in southern Denmark and is currently under investigation. Preliminary charges in Denmark allow authorities to detain suspects during the investigative process.
The case is reportedly linked to a story in European media concerning a Russian state fund and is not connected to the recent European Parliament elections, according to PET. The detained woman, described as a prominent figure in the Russian community in Denmark, allegedly received financial support from a Moscow-based state fund, the Russian Foundation.
Reports suggest that the woman provided legal assistance to fellow Russians in Denmark. The Russian ambassador in Copenhagen has condemned her detention, labeling it as a provocative act by Danish security services aimed at intimidating Russian citizens and discrediting their community organizations.
The ambassador asserted that the woman's detention is based on false information circulated in Danish media about the Russian Foundation. He emphasized that the organization's activities were focused on supporting and protecting Russians living abroad, including helping them navigate Danish laws.
PET's head, Finn Borch Andersen, previously highlighted the increased activities of Russian intelligence services in the West, aimed at gathering information. He also noted Russia's employment of hybrid measures in Europe to instill fear, uncertainty, and weaken support for Ukraine.
