CEO arrested on suspicion of serious sanctions violations

A chief executive from western Sweden has been detained by the Swedish Security Service (Säpo) and remanded in custody on suspicion of serious sanctions violations, Swedish public broadcaster SVT Nyheter reports. He is the second individual accused of exporting industrial machinery from Sweden, allegedly destined for Russia’s military sector.

The 30-year-old man was arrested last week. Authorities previously detained another suspect, a man in his 40s, in the Stockholm area in connection with the same case. He remains in custody.

According to SVT, the investigation centres on industrial machinery exported from Sweden, with Russia’s military-industrial complex suspected as the final recipient. The equipment falls under sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Prosecutors have requested the 30-year-old’s continued detention, arguing he could tamper with evidence or obstruct the investigation if released. A custody hearing is scheduled for today.