Former Säpo Chief Klas Friberg on Security Scandal: Lessons to Be Learned

Former Säpo chief Klas Friberg considers the scandal involving bodyguards leaking secrets through their fitness apps as "unfortunate."

"It's unfortunate, but Säpo themselves say they will learn from it," he states. Friberg, now involved in a drone company, warns Swedish authorities against using Chinese drones due to the heightened security situation.

Klas Friberg, 65, who left his position as Säpo chief nearly four years ago, speaks critically about one of the trust crises that have recently affected the Security Police.

He mentions that Säpo will learn from the revelation about bodyguards who leaked sensitive information about the whereabouts of ministers and royals by using fitness apps.

However, he refrains from commenting on the case involving Migration Minister Johan Forssell's son, where Säpo was criticized for not recognizing potential security risks from his involvement in a violent extremist group early on.

"Unfortunate That This Happened"

Regarding the fitness apps, which were exposed by Dagens Nyheter, Klas Friberg says:

"It's unfortunate that this happened, but I know they are working on many different dimensions concerning our ministers and the royal family. Säpo has admitted it was a mistake, and they will naturally learn from it.

"I am confident they can handle this well in the future."

Klas Friberg is not worried that the significant international attention surrounding the case could damage Säpo's and thereby Sweden's reputation.

"It has received a lot of international attention, but there have been several similar cases in both Europe and the USA. I don't think it will harm the international reputation," he says.

Ability to Locate Ministers and Royals

Dagens Nyheter reviewed over 1,400 training activities that Säpo bodyguards published online via the fitness app Strava. This made it possible to locate where the Säpo guards were—and thus also Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, former prime ministers, royals, and other individuals they were tasked with protecting.

Klas Friberg, who was Säpo chief from 2018 to 2021, says the security situation has tightened in the past year and that Russia's interest in Sweden has increased following NATO membership.

He is currently involved in several security companies, including as a board member of Airolit, which manufactures drones. He explains that the company's products are tailored to buyers, who can choose whether to use the drones for military or civilian purposes.

Criticizes Use of Chinese Drones

The company focuses on surveillance within the Swedish total defense. He is strongly critical of Swedish authorities using Chinese drones.

"It's not good that Swedish authorities are using Chinese drones. Both for security reasons and preparedness reasons, considering the availability of spare parts," says Klas Friberg.

In addition to the drone company, he has also founded the Gothenburg Institute for Social Responsibility, which works to improve living conditions for children and young people in Gothenburg.

"We want to give all children and young people a good start in life. Increase protection and reduce risks. We want to ensure that children do not fall into addiction, suffer from ill health, or get involved in crime," he says.