Today, Thursday, the verdict was handed down against the two brothers who have been accused of spying against Sweden on behalf of Russia for ten years.

The older brother, Peyman Kia, 42, is sentenced to life in prison for aggravated espionage and unauthorized position with a secret mission.

The younger brother, Payam Kia, 35, is sentenced to nine years and ten months in prison for aggravated espionage.

"It is beyond reasonable doubt that the brothers, jointly and in consultation, without authorization and in order to reach Russia and the GRU, acquired, forwarded and disclosed information whose disclosure to a foreign power could entail but for Sweden's security," the district court writes in the judgment.

According to the president of the court, Måns Wigén, the purpose has been to "enrich oneself".

- There are no mitigating circumstances, he says.

Cleared documents

It was in the fall of 2021 that the older brother, who has a background in Säpo and the Armed Forces and at the time worked as a high-ranking head of an authority, was arrested in connection with a crackdown.

Later, the younger brother was also arrested and detained.

Last November, they were both charged with aggravated espionage and the subsequent trial has been surrounded by extensive security and secrecy.

The older brother is estimated to have procured around 90 documents, of which the younger brother contributed to around 65 documents.

According to the district court, the brothers must have "promoted and cleared" half of the documents.

According to the district court, the activity took place within the framework of the older brother's employment with the Security Police and Must, the Military Intelligence and Security Service.

"Very serious crime"

- Serious espionage is a very serious crime that threatens the system.

The elder brother has committed an act of espionage that must be assigned to the most serious category.

The deed has affected conditions of very great importance, writes chief councilor Måns Wigén.

"With full insight into the damaging effects, he has acquired, promoted and disclosed the information to Russia, which constitutes the main threat to Sweden's security.

The penalty must therefore be set at life imprisonment," he further states.

The younger brother's involvement was less extensive, which is also why he receives a lower sentence.

Both brothers have consistently denied the offences.