Sweden has expelled five employees of the Russian Embassy in Stockholm on suspicion of spying. The decision was conveyed to Russia through its ambassador in Stockholm. Swedish foreign minister Tobias Billström said that the activities of the five were "incompatible" with their diplomatic status.
The Swedish Security Service, known as Sapo, recently received a list of names of suspected Russian intelligence officers. Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that every third Russian diplomat in Sweden is believed to be an intelligence officer.
This is not the first time Sweden has expelled Russian Embassy staff on suspicion of espionage. Last year, three Russian diplomats were expelled. The decision follows the expulsion of 15 Russian diplomats by neighboring Norway two weeks ago on similar grounds.
The Swedish government has not revealed any details about the alleged spying activities of the Russian Embassy staff. However, the move is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between Sweden and Russia.