Swedish prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the surveillance practices of U.S. intelligence agencies in Sweden. The U.S. agencies claim that the surveillance systems were put into place to safeguard the U.S. embassy and its employees. The extent of the surveillance is presently unknown. Swedish authorities have determined that the surveillance began in 2000, without the knowledge or permission of local authorities. U.S. agencies say they will cooperate with Swedish authorities. The investigation will determine if the surveillance practices are in violation of Swedish law.
How will this impact the credibility and reputation of the U.S. intelligence agencies in Europe? How will this affect Swedish-American relations? We have yet to find out.
