November 12, 2022 – 12:05 pm
A pair of Swedish brothers were accused of spying for Russia more than ten years ago. Written by BBC.
Iranian-born Peyman Kia, 42, and Payam Kia, 35, cooperated with, and provided information to, the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU. The two men were arrested at the end of last year and have been in detention ever since.
In addition to espionage, Biman Kia is also accused of the unauthorized handling of confidential data. At the time of his arrest, he was the head of security for the Swedish Food Agency, but he previously worked in the Swedish security services and the army. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, he provided data from these last two places to the Russians. According to Dagens Nyheter, Biman Kia also served in a top-secret department of intelligence.
During Peyman’s arrest, his younger brother Payam allegedly smashed a hard disk that was later found in a trash. It is possible that the younger brother made contacts with Russia and the military intelligence unit, not only for the sake of transmitting information, but also for payment. The investigation also found notes from Peyman that talked about encrypted messages and gold transactions.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case, not much investigation information has been disclosed.
Kia Sr.’s defense attorney, Anton Strand, said the charges are inaccurate and do not include a specific description of his client’s alleged crimes.
If convicted, the brothers face life in prison, and will have to serve a minimum of 20 to 25 years, according to Swedish practice.
