Danish security report on Iranian, Chinese and Russian espionage activities
The Danish Intelligence and Security Agency has published a report on the increase in espionage activities by the Islamic Republic of Iran, China, and Russia. The theft of scientific information and access to academic research results in Denmark are among the stated goals of these activities.
Anders Henriksen, head of the counterintelligence department of the Danish Intelligence and Security Agency, reported in this report an increase in espionage activities on Danish soil as well as in the country's areas of influence in the Arctic.
On Thursday, January 13, Reuters published a report from Copenhagen about espionage activities in Denmark by the Islamic Republic of Iran, Russia, and China.
Among other things, it has been said that the Arctic has been of particular interest in espionage activities due to its strategic importance in navigation and its rich reserves.
The report states that Denmark's increasing role in the international arena has made many of the country's areas of activity targets for cyberattacks or espionage.
"Threats from espionage activities by foreign intelligence agencies in relation to Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands have increased in recent years," Henriksen said.
Greenland and the Faroe Islands are self-governing territories administered by Denmark. The Kingdom of Denmark is responsible for foreign policy and security issues for these two territories.
The report cites, among other things, a letter sent to a US senator in 2019, which spoke of an imminent independence referendum in Greenland. The Danish Security and Intelligence Agency has called the letter a fake.
Henriksen said of the letter: "It seems very likely that this letter was prepared by Russian agents and published online. The aim of this action was to cause confusion and possibly create a rift between Denmark, the United States and Greenland."
Reuters reported that the Russian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations. Russia has dismissed Western accusations of espionage as "ridiculous and absurd."
Attempt to steal information
The report by the Danish Intelligence and Security Agency points to, among other things, increased efforts by China, Russia, and Iran to establish contact with students and researchers.
It has been said that these countries have sought to access Danish scientific and technological information through contacts with companies and research centers.
The report states that even a Chinese professor at the University of Copenhagen who was involved in genetic research was in contact with the Chinese military in November last year.
Reuters continued its report by writing that the embassies of the Islamic Republic and China have also refused to immediately announce their position on the allegations raised in the Danish Intelligence and Security Agency report.
Source: DW
