A former security guard at the US Embassy in Norway is convicted of spying for Russia and Iran

Published: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:19 pm

Former US Embassy Security Guard Convicted of Spying for Russia and Iran

OSLO, Norway – A former security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Norway has been convicted of espionage, according to a court ruling Wednesday. The 28-year-old Norwegian man, whose identity remains undisclosed, received a prison sentence of three years and seven months.

The court found the individual guilty of spying for both Russia and Iran. While the defendant admitted to the facts presented in the indictment, he denied any criminal intent. Prosecutors alleged that he provided sensitive information, including details about embassy diplomats, floor plans, and security protocols. Reports indicate that the man's motivations stemmed from American ties to Israel and the war in Gaza, which led him to contact Russian and Iranian agents.

The defense argued that the information shared was insignificant and incapable of causing harm. They also highlighted that the man misrepresented his security clearance level, which was comparable to that of a janitor. The defendant was convicted on five espionage-related charges but acquitted of gross corruption.

The prosecution is considering appealing the sentence, as they had sought a longer prison term. The defense is also weighing an appeal of the verdict.

The man was studying for a bachelor's degree in security and preparedness at Norway's Arctic University, UiT, at the time of his arrest last November. This is not the first instance of espionage allegations involving UiT. A guest researcher at the university, who claimed to be Brazilian, was revealed to be a Russian national and was involved in a prisoner exchange with Russia last year.

Norway shares a border with Russia and has significantly tightened restrictions on Russian nationals since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Norwegian government is also considering constructing a border fence along part of its border with Russia.

BNN's Perspective: This case underscores the ongoing challenges of protecting sensitive information in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. While the defense's argument regarding the insignificance of the shared information is noteworthy, the conviction highlights the seriousness with which Norway views espionage and the potential for even seemingly low-level breaches to have significant consequences. The case also serves as a reminder of the heightened security concerns in the region given Norway's proximity to Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Keywords: espionage, Norway, Russia, Iran, security guard, US Embassy, conviction, sentence, spying, diplomats, security, border, Arctic University, UiT, prisoner exchange, Ukraine, Gaza, security clearance

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