Former U.S. Embassy Security Guard Sentenced for Spying
A former security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Norway has been sentenced to three years and seven months for espionage. The 28-year-old Norwegian, whose name is not disclosed, was found guilty of spying for both Russia and Iran.
According to reports, the man was arrested in November while working at the embassy in Oslo. Norwegian police stated that he provided sensitive information about embassy diplomats, security protocols, and floor plans. He allegedly reached out to Russian and Iranian contacts due to rising concerns over U.S. connections to Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
While the man admitted to some of the allegations, he denied any criminal wrongdoing. His lawyers argued that the verdict raises questions about what constitutes espionage under Norwegian law. They maintained that he had limited access to sensitive information, similar to a janitor’s role, and claimed that the details he shared were not harmful.
The court convicted him on five charges related to espionage but acquitted him of serious corruption. His defense team is considering whether to appeal the decision. At the time of his arrest, he was enrolled in a bachelor’s program focused on security and preparedness at Norway’s Arctic University, UiT.
The U.S. State Department has not commented on the case yet.
