Police have been informed of Malaysian’s arrest in Norway for alleged spying, says Home Minister

PUTRAJAYA: The Royal Malaysian Police has been notified of the arrest of a Malaysian student for suspected espionage in Norway, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Home Minister added that he was briefed on the case by the Inspector-General of Police on Wednesday (Sept 13).

“We are still waiting for the complete report from the Norwegian authorities.

“For now, they have notified our security forces on the status of the individual, his background as well as certain evidence that they chose to share,” he told reporters after launching the World Anti Trafficking of People Day observations here on Thursday (Sept 14).

He said Malaysian police are now examining the case closely.

“We will use all instruments necessary in managing the case as this is a matter that involves ties with another country.

“It is sensitive when it involves espionage and eavesdropping.

“We are working with Wisma Putra on the matter,” he said, adding that any findings will be passed over to Wisma Putra and they will respond to Norway accordingly.

It was reported that Wisma Putra would extend the appropriate consular services to an individual, believed to be a Malaysian, who was reportedly arrested in Norway on suspicion of espionage.

Confirming the arrest, it said the Malaysian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, was also in contact with authorities in Oslo to obtain information on the case.

Earlier, the Associated Press reported that a 25-year-old foreign student had been arrested in Norway on suspicion of espionage, including illegal eavesdropping through various technical devices.

Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, meanwhile, reported that the man is of Malaysian origin but there is no suspicion that Malaysia is involved.

Norway’s domestic security agency, known by its acronym PST, told Norwegian media that the man, who was arrested last Friday, was charged in court on Sunday with espionage and intelligence operations against the Nordic country.

The man, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed, pleaded not guilty in initial police questioning.