Top diplomat 'found dead' after home raided by cops over spy allegations
A Swedish diplomat who was arrested on suspicion of espionage has been "found dead, according to officials.
Swedish police raided the home of the diplomat on Sunday and later arrested him on suspicion of espionage. Media outlets in the country reported he was a top diplomat who had been stationed at numerous embassies around the globe. The man was found dead on Thursday following his arrest. Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Moderate Party's Minister of Foreign Affairs, told the local Aftonbladet outlet: "I have been notified about the sad news that an employee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has passed away. My thoughts are with the employee's family, friends and colleagues."
When pressed about the man's death, a spokesperson for the Swedish Security Service told the outlet it could neither confirm nor deny the information. The statement about the man's death had reportedly been circulated within the ministry.
Unfortunately, we can confirm that an employee at the Foreign Service has passed away," the ministry said. "Out of consideration for the relatives, we will not go into any further details."
The Swedish secret service has not revealed the particulars of the espionage allegations. The alleged crimes were said to have happened between May 1 and 11.
Police arrested the suspect on Monday, although he was released. The man's lawyer Anton Strand said following the arrest: "He denies that he has done anything criminal or anything wrong at all."
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