Norwegian man charged with espionage sought foreign ministry’s support for company establishment in 2021

In 2021, a Norwegian man in his 30s, who was charged last week with attempted espionage, reached out to the Foreign Ministry seeking support to establish a company. According to an email, he stated that he aimed to create a company to assemble resources and support Norwegian politics by providing relevant information and knowledge about international relations. He also expressed his intention to apply for a grant for the company but wanted to first connect with the “responsible” party in the ministry for assistance and information. The ministry reportedly never responded to his request.

The accused man has a doctorate from China, earned between 2016 and 2020. In 2023, he established a company based in Oslo, focusing on the analysis of international affairs. Through this company, he connected with several of his former classmates, academics, and diplomats worldwide.

According to two individuals previously listed on the company’s website, the man claimed to have the backing of the Norwegian authorities. However, the Foreign Ministry denies providing any support to him or his company. One academic who had worked for the man in 2022 stated that he had been assured the company was funded solely by Norwegian and European money, not Chinese.

A former foreign diplomat who interacted with the accused in 2024 decided to cease contact after six weeks. He described the man as being “under considerable pressure” and was uncomfortable working with him. He requested his information be removed from the company’s website.

Anders Grindlia Romarheim, an associate professor at the Norwegian Defence University College, stated that young ambitious individuals are sought after by the Chinese intelligence service. Norway, being a key state and policy provider in the Arctic, is of interest to China. The accused Norwegian man had previously held a deputy position in the same local Labour Party in Oslo as Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and has been associated with Civitas network but was later expelled.