Denmark Security Report on Espionage Activities of Iran, China and Russia
Denmark’s intelligence and security organization announced a report on increased espionage activities by the Islamic Republic, China and Russia. Theft of scientific information and access to university research results in Denmark have been cited as among the objectives of these activities.
Anders Henriksen, head of the counter-espionage department of Denmark’s intelligence and security organization, reported in this document on increased espionage activities in Danish territory as well as in areas under this country’s influence in the Arctic.
Reuters news agency on Thursday, January 13 (December 23) reported from Copenhagen about the espionage activities of three countries—the Islamic Republic, Russia and China—in Denmark.
It was stated that the Arctic, given its strategic importance in maritime navigation and its rich reserves, has been a particular focus of espionage activities.
The report mentioned that the increased role of Denmark on the international stage has made many areas of this country’s activities targets of cyber attacks or espionage operations.
Henriksen said: “The threats arising from espionage activities of foreign intelligence organizations in connection with Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands have increased in recent years.”
Greenland and the Faroe Islands are among autonomous regions administered by Denmark. The responsibility for advancing foreign policy as well as addressing security issues in these two regions falls to the Danish monarchy.
The report refers, among other things, to a letter that was sent in 2019 to an American senator. The letter discussed an imminent independence referendum in Greenland. Denmark’s intelligence and security organization called this letter forged.
Henriksen said about this letter: “It appears with very strong probability that this letter was prepared by Russian agents and published online. The purpose of this action was to create confusion and possibly create discord between Denmark, the United States and Greenland.”
Reuters continued its report by writing that the Russian embassy did not immediately respond when asked to comment on this accusation. Russia considers accusations by Western countries about its espionage activities to be baseless and ridiculous.
Attempts to Steal Information
The report by Denmark’s intelligence and security organization also referred to increased efforts by China, Russia and Iran to make contact with students and researchers.
It was stated that these countries sought to obtain Danish scientific and technological information by contacting companies and research centers.
The report stated that even a Chinese professor at the University of Copenhagen who was active in the field of genetic research was in contact with the Chinese military in November of last year.
Reuters continued its report by writing that the embassies of the Islamic Republic and China were also unwilling to immediately comment on the allegations raised in the report by Denmark’s intelligence and security organization.
Source: DW
