The 1980s was the decade of spies in the United States.

So says Michael Jonsson, researcher at FOI and co-author of the study Espionage by Europeans 2010–2021. That time, in the 80s, there were 7-8 convictions including a couple of high-placed moles that were exposed.

"My assessment is that this could be the decade of spies in Europe. We have an increasing number of convictions and a number of spies being exposed in high-ranking positions," he said.

"And the threat seems to remain at a high level. Partly in relation to Russia and Belarus as long as the conflict in Ukraine continues, but increasingly also towards China. I think this new normal where we hear more and more about espionage and counterintelligence is here to stay.

400 Russians have been expelled

Since the war began, more than 400 Russian diplomats, many of whom are believed to be intelligence personnel, have been expelled from Europe. A major blow to the FSB and GRU, among others.

"When individual intelligence personnel are expelled, it may not have a decisive effect, but when so many do it simultaneously in several different countries, it can complicate and weaken Russia's intelligence collection in Europe and Sweden.

In Sweden, we have had several high-profile cases in recent years.

– Since 2021, we have had several convictions, arrests and a number of revelations about, among other things, inappropriate research collaborations. This signals that Sweden changed its policy a few years ago. Today, we are more proactive when it comes to counterintelligence.

"There is a risk"

How should Sweden relate to the fact that espionage has increased?

"In a balanced way. There is a risk that the pendulum will swing too far in the other direction when we go from being too naïve, open and gullible. A balance is needed in the new security awareness that has definitely begun in many authorities and companies.

"There is a risk that individuals will get into trouble or that distrust will be created in certain workplaces.