November 04, 2022

Spies in the Arctic


Spies in the Arctic
“What is interesting, if not ironic, is that we research how the civilian domain is targeted by hybrid threats. I did not expect I would be part of exactly what we research.” - Professor Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv Flickr, Cycling Man

Norway has recently announced the expulsion of a seventh spy that was found in their midst

The spy, José Assis Giammaria, posed as a Brazilian academic interested in Norway's security in the northernmost region of the country. Giammaria arrived in Norway in December 2021, after contacting a university in the Arctic and describing his interest in researching the security in the region. He had also been recommended by a Canadian professor, testifying to his validity.

According to one of his fellow professors, Giammaria did not have access to any classified documents, but "he did get an understanding and insights into the sort of discussions and debates that we are having about security. He was at the place where important research was happening."

Norway may continue to see an increase in spies attempting to infiltrate the country. Not only is Norway in close proximity to Russia; with sanctions cutting off the use of Russian gas, Norway has become the largest supplier of gas in Europe.

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