Iranian influence operation triggers tension in Sweden after Quran burning

In August 2023, Iranian intelligence conducted an influence operation in Sweden. Approximately 15,000 people received SMS messages calling for revenge after incidents of Quran burning. As informed by the Swedish prosecution, the investigation might be resumed.

The investigation into this matter was terminated due to the inability to hold the perpetrators accountable. The individuals responsible for these actions are in Iran, and extradition to Sweden is impossible. According to the lead investigator Mats Ljungqvist, the operation was carried out by a cyber group of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The prosecution and Swedish special services SAPO determined that hackers gained access to a Swedish marketing services company at the end of July 2023. During the night of 1 August, they sent aggressive messages in Swedish and English.

During that period in Sweden, there were provocative actions of Quran burning carried out by an immigrant from Iraq. This was met with a strong reaction from Arab countries. In Iraq, demonstrators stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. Turkish authorities also protested, blocking Sweden's entry into NATO. Mats Ljungqvist stated that the operation aimed "to further tighten the situation and increase the conflict that prevailed between different groups in society."

However, the case has not been closed, and the investigation might be resumed if new circumstances arise. Sweden's Minister of Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, announced an increase in the budget and competence of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). From 1 November, this institution will be under the military electronic intelligence agency FRA.

At the end of May, Swedish SAPO services reported instances of the Iranian regime using Swedish drug gangs to carry out attacks on Israeli sites in Sweden.