A former U.S. Embassy security guard in Norway has been convicted of spying for Russia and Iran, receiving a three-year-and-seven-month sentence. The 28-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, was found guilty of five espionage-related charges and acquitted of gross corruption. The defense argued that the information shared was trivial and did not endanger national security.
The suspect, who had been studying for a bachelor’s degree in security and preparedness at Norway’s Arctic University, UiT, at the time of his arrest last November, is now facing the consequences of his alleged actions. The Norwegian police official confirmed that the suspect was working at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Prosecutors alleged that the man handed over details about the embassy’s diplomats, its floor plans and security routines, among other information, Norwegian state broadcaster NRK reported. The broadcaster added that American ties to Israel and the war in Gaza prompted the man to contact Russia and Iran. The suspect acknowledged the indictment’s facts but denied any criminal guilt, according to the AP. The defense attorneys are weighing whether to appeal the verdict, asserting that the verdict raises questions about what is considered espionage under Norwegian law. They contended that the suspect lied about having security clearance to agents from other countries and exaggerated his own role, claiming that he had roughly the same level of access as a janitor at the embassy. The information he shared, they argued, was worthless and neither separately nor collectively capable of harming individuals or the security interests of any state.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday from Fox News Digital. The case highlights the complexities of international espionage and the challenges of ensuring security in diplomatic missions. The suspect’s conviction underscores the serious consequences of such actions, even when the information shared may be deemed less significant. As the defense considers an appeal, the case will likely continue to draw attention to the broader implications for U.S.-Norway relations and the handling of espionage cases under international law.