Increasing espionage threat

Espionage from nations such as China and Russia is an increasing threat to the Danish Kingdom, says Danish security and intelligence service PET.

The Faroes and Greenland play an important strategic role in this threat, according to PET’s first public report on national security threats.

The Arctic and North Atlantic region

Below are a few passages from the report relating to the Faroe Islands and Greenland:

”China, Russia, the U.S. and numerous European countries have increasing geostrategic, security policy and economic interests in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region. Some of these countries are vying for access to resources, sea routes, research and areas of military importance in the area.”

”The Faroe Islands and Greenland are important strategic locations for ships, submarines and aircraft.”

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”PET interprets this as a threat from Chinese and Russian intelligence services, especially with regards to espionage through computer hacks against Danish, Faroese and Greenlandic authorities, decision makers, businesses and research institutions.”

“In PET’s view, China and Russia are seeking to make it difficult for the U.S. and other western nations to maintain their positions in the Faroe Islands and Greenland.”

PET believes there may be risks attached to certain international collaborations, extensive investment activities and trade relations with China and Russia as such activities may render the Faroes and Greenland more vulnerable to espionage and control.

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PET adds that although many Chinese businesses are private, they are partially owned or controlled by the Chinese government. This may make it difficult to differentiate between private and state-owned companies in China.

“With regards to Russia, we should not worry, but we should keep in mind that we may have information that may be of interest to Russian authorities, says Anders Henriksen, the head of counterintelligence at PET.

Minister confirms threat

Faroese foreign minister Jenis av Rana confirms that espionage against the Faroes is on the increase.

“There is no doubt that some nations, including some that we regard as our allies, are spying on us,” he says.

In meetings with PET, the minister has been told that the Faroes may be used as a gateway entry to the Danish Kingdom.

“This new report does not really add anything new. We should be mindful of this ongoing threat, but it is comforting to know that PET is keeping a close eye on the situation,” he adds.

Read the Faroese versions of this article here and here.

More Faroese News in English.