Sweden’s security service, Sapo, has accused Iranian intelligence of orchestrating a cyber attack that targeted a Swedish text messaging service to send 15,000 messages to the public. The messages called for “revenge against Quran-burners” following several incidents in which anti-Islam activists burned copies of the Islamic holy book.
The data breach, which occurred in the summer of 2023, involved a cyber group named Anzu, believed to be linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). According to Swedish investigators, the group hacked into the SMS system of a Swedish company and sent messages aimed at inciting division in society by portraying Sweden as an Islamophobic country. The messages urged punishment for those involved in the Quran burnings.
The Quran burnings, carried out by far-right activists, sparked widespread anger in Muslim-majority countries.
Despite the Swedish government condemning the actions and police attempts to halt them, the country’s courts allowed the protests to proceed under Sweden’s freedom of expression laws. The incidents led to Sweden’s embassy in Iraq being set on fire by protesters, and the government faced significant diplomatic backlash.
In response to the controversy, Swedish prosecutors charged an Iraqi activist and an accomplice with incitement against an ethnic group in connection with the Quran burnings. Both men have denied any wrongdoing.
Sapo’s preliminary investigation found that the Anzu group hacked into a Swedish company’s SMS platform, gaining control of usernames, passwords, and tools used to send messages. On 1 August 2023, a large-scale SMS blast was sent to 15,000 Swedish citizens, calling for revenge against those responsible for burning the Quran.
Fredrik Hallstrom of Sapo stated that individuals involved in the cyber operation had direct links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The messages, he said, had partially succeeded in amplifying the already existing threats against Sweden.
While investigators were able to identify the Iranian hackers behind the attack, Prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist confirmed that there was no possibility of extradition, and the investigation was subsequently shelved.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer described the cyber attack as a “very serious” act of destabilization. He emphasized the concern over a state actor such as Iran attempting to increase polarization in Sweden.
This is not the first time that Sapo has accused Iran of hostile activities. In May 2023, the security service reported that Tehran had used criminal networks in Sweden to conduct violent acts against individuals or groups it deemed a threat. Alongside Russia and China, Iran has been identified as one of the most significant security threats facing Sweden today.
Chioma Kalu
Follow us on:
Nigeria has extended heartfelt condolences to Germany following the Magdeburg Christmas market attack that killed…
Nigeria has refuted Niger’s allegations of supporting terrorism, denying involvement in the December pipeline attack…
NNPC has debunked media reports alleging the Port Harcourt Refinery, re-streamed two months ago, was…
Yahaya Bello has regained freedom after meeting stringent bail terms in a corruption case brought…
Peter Obi stood surety for activist Dele Farotimi, who may be released from custody on…
The Nigerian Army has promotes 108 officers while intensifying operations against terrorists, arrest Sokoto terror…
View Comments
<<<<recruitement form="" is="" out="" we="" are="" replacing="" a="" new="" officers="" interested="" applicant="" should="" contact="" us="" for="" more=""">>><>Custom Auctions Is Up Again and Granting Nigerians the
Privilege to Own Vehicles at Affordable Rates, this information is from the N. C. S to the general p u b l i c eVEHICLES AND THE AUCTION PRICES ARE:-
Golf2=₦250,000
Golf3= ₦350,000
Golf4= ₦450,000
Toyota Land Cruiser-N1.3m
•Toyota Prado N1.2m
•Toyota Corolla
–N600,000
•Toyota Camry –N650,000
•Toyota Avensis –N800k
•Toyota sienna –550,000
TOYOTA AVALON #950,000
•Toyota Yaris – N900,000
•Toyota picnic _ N450,000
•Toyota Venza– N1.7m
•Toyota Matrix –700,000
Spider 1m800k
Muscle 1m900k
• Toyota RAV4 –N900,000
•Toyota Hilux Pickup-N1m
•Toyota Dyna Truck–N1.3million
•Toyota 4 Runner–N1m
tundra 2.670,000
tacoma 2.5Million
•Toyota Hiace Bus –N1.5m
•Toyota Highlander-N1.2m
•Toyota Big daddy-800k
08O ___-6739 __-9O9O
Honda Baby Boy= ₦780,000
Honda Accord EOD= ₦950,000
Honda City= ₦750,000
Honda Crosstour= ₦2M
Honda CR-V= ₦950,000
Honda Odyssey= ₦850,000
Honda Pilot= ₦1.m
___- __-9O9O
Lexus GX460=₦6.6M
Lexus GX470=₦8.4M
Lexus GX570=₦13.8M
Lexus IS-250=₦2.1M
Lexus ES-330=₦1.5M
Lexus ES-350=₦2.6M
Lexus RX300= ₦1.5M
Lexus RX330= ₦2.8M
Lexus RX350= ₦3.2M
Acura RDX=₦3M
Acura RSX=₦2.8M
Acura TSX=₦2.6M
Acura ZDX=₦3.2M
Acura MDX= ₦2.4M
Mercedes-Benz C-Class= ₦950,000
Mercedes-Benz E-Class= ₦1.1M
Mercedes-Benz GLK= ₦4.5m
Mercedes-Benz ML320= ₦850,000
Mercedes Benz ML330= ₦1.8M
Mercedes-Benz ML350= ₦5.2M
08O ___-6739 __-9O9O
Nissan pathfinder= ₦1.9M
Nissan Altima= ₦820,000
Nissan Armanda= ₦3.2M
Nissan Maxima= ₦600,000.e.t.c.
VEHICLES ARE SLIGHTLY NEGOTIABLE〽WE COMMENCE DELIVERY WITHIN 36 STATE IN NIGERIA
THANKS FOR PATRONIZING US.
Bags of c e m e n t #5,500
Delivery cost is #2,000
BAG OF RICE -50kg.₦25,000
GALLON OF VEGETABLE OIL -25LTR.₦18,500〽.〽.〽.〽.〽〽