Russian spies ‘using sex and vodka’ to blackmail Norwegians into handing over information, intelligence agency claims
'It is an alarming development that we must be aware of’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Russian spies have been using sex and alcohol to blackmail “naive” Norwegians into handing over sensitive information, it has been claimed.
Norway’s Police Intelligence Service (PST) says agents with its Russian counterpart are reverting to Cold War tactics on its politicians and business people during visits to the Russian Federation.
According to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK, Norwegian MPs told PST officials the agents would typically ply them with vodka and offer sex with attractive women.
Arne Christian Haugstøyl, PST’s head of counter-intelligence, said the citizens are then threatened with prosecution over their acts unless they hand over information.
He said Norwegians were too trusting and easily caught in such “honey traps”.
Mr Haugstøyl said: “We suspect a large unknown figure [may have been victims of the tactic], because some people will undoubtedly feel the pressure is so large that they will not report it to us or to their employer when they return.
“We are naive when we are travelling to this kind of country.
“It is an alarming development that we must be aware of.”
The accusations were denied by Andrey Kuliko, from Russia’s Oslo embassy, who said: “These allegations are scandalous and nothing but lies.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments