Two brothers convicted of spying for Russia – DW – 19/01/2023
Two Swedish men were sentenced on Thursday in the Stockholm District Court for espionage on behalf of Russia’s military intelligence service, GRU.
Peyman Kia was sentenced to life imprisonment, while his younger brother Payam Kia was sentenced to 10 years. The two Iranian-born brothers are naturalized Swedish citizens.
The pair were accused of passing information to Russia between 2011 and 2021.
What did the court say?
In its verdict, the Stockholm district court said: “It is beyond reasonable doubt that the brothers together and in consultation, without authorization and for the benefit of Russia and the GRU, obtained, forwarded and disclosed information.”
Peyman Kia worked for Sweden’s domestic intelligence service Sapo between 2014 and 2015. He also worked for the country’s armed forces.
The court found Peyman Kia guilty of collecting some 90 classified documents through its jobs. The court said in its statement that he was sentenced to life in prison as he had carried out espionage “of the most serious category” and had taken advantage of his employment to do so.
In Sweden, life sentences generally mean at least 20 years in prison.
The younger of the two brothers was found guilty of planning the crime and managing contacts with the GRU.
Prosecutors said he passed on about 45 classified documents.
sdi/ar (AP, AFP, Reuters)