The activities of foreign powers towards Sweden have increased and partly changed in nature over the past five years.

From previously focusing mainly on military targets, attention is now increasingly focused on the civilian.

- They try to get information from companies or research institutes with cutting-edge technology, says Daniel Stenling.

- It does so to strengthen its own domestic industry but also to be able to strengthen its domestic military power.

Weakening Sweden

But the espionage activities not only aim to strengthen the capacity of one's own country, it also affects Sweden negatively.

Especially when it focuses on the civil sector and Swedish companies.

In the long run, it risks affecting Sweden's competitiveness, says Daniel Stenling.

- We are already losing a lot of money on this type of espionage.

It is a threat to our jobs and, in the long run, to our welfare.

How extensive is this business in Sweden today?

- I can not give you a figure on it but we see that it is increasing.

Both from an economic perspective but also from a political perspective where you try to gain an advantage over Sweden.

Sweden interesting

Why do you think that intelligence activities against Sweden are increasing now?

- Partly it is a global competition that has increased and partly it is a number of states that have increased their ability to conduct this type of activity.

- Sweden is also an interesting country.

We have a strong research, development and industry.

We are members of the EU and conduct international cooperation that we are interested in.

We are also geographically located in a region that is of security policy interest to Russia.

In parallel with espionage aimed at acquiring technical knowledge and information, extensive intelligence activities are also underway that target people who operate in Sweden and are perceived as opposition to their home country.

- We have investigated several crimes in the near future, including an attempted murder, and we also have a number of cases involving refugee espionage.

The most active players in Sweden today are Russia, China and Iran, according to Säpo.

- We need to be more vigilant that this is going on and try to help to prevent this activity, says Daniel Stenling.