Norwegian man suspected of espionage previously sought Ministry of Defense funding for security research

A Norwegian man in his thirties, suspected of spying, had previously asked for assistance from Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help his company. Recent access to emails has revealed that he had also contacted the Ministry of Defense during the summer and autumn of 2023, repeatedly requesting a meeting to discuss funding for security and defense policy research.

The now-suspected spy asked if it was still possible to attend an information meeting about funding on October 19th, despite the ministry’s change in practice in 2023, ceasing to hold joint information meetings on funding. He was informed that no such meeting would be held and that information would be provided in writing to interested parties.

In response, the suspect stated that his company had not previously collaborated with or sought funding from the Ministry of Defense, although he believed they had solid expertise and a platform of excellent international experts to conduct research supported by the Ministry of Defense, focusing on developments in international relations affecting Norwegian interests. He asked if it was possible to have a physical conversation or an online meeting about the funding scheme. The ministry reiterated that individual meetings about funding would not be arranged.

The suspect’s company never applied for money through the funding scheme and wouldn’t have received money anyway, as they were not on the Research Council’s list of approved research organizations, a requirement for receiving funding from the Ministry of Defense.

Sophie Matlary, the daughter of well-known political scientist Janne Haaland Matlary, was copied in these emails. She stated that she was unaware of this and had no knowledge of any collaboration with the Ministry of Defense. She also mentioned that she had known the suspect through politics as someone she could laugh and discuss various topics with openly.

The suspect was arrested at Oslo airport on July 1st, on his way home from a trip to China, for suspected espionage activities in favor of China. His lawyer, Marius Dietrichson, declined to comment on the case, but had previously stated that his client denies the charges.