Court allows police to hold two espionage suspects for three days

A court in Aalborg has allowed police to hold two men suspected of spying on Danish defence company MyDefence for three days, although it found no grounds to remand them in custody. DR reported that the closed hearing lasted five hours.

The 21-year-old and 18-year-old were arrested on Monday and charged under section 108(1) of Denmark’s Criminal Code, which covers espionage. Prosecutors allege that on October 19 they photographed MyDefence, based in Nørresundby, and sent the images to someone on Telegram.

Defence lawyer Rasmus Amandusson told DR that both suspects are from Ukraine and have been in Denmark for less than a year. They both work in Denmark and deny the charges. Amandusson said he could not discuss their statements in court because the hearing was held behind closed doors. A ban on naming the suspects is also in place.

Prosecutors believe a Russian intelligence service was involved, but have not identified which one. DR said it had been unable to obtain comment from the Russian Embassy. MyDefence declined to comment.

Justice Minister Nicolai Wammen said he viewed the case with great seriousness. Citing warnings from PET about Russian efforts to gather information and plan sabotage in Denmark, he urged people not to help photograph companies or share information about them. He said anyone offered 5,000 kroner to photograph a local defence company should refuse.