Major spy scandal in Scandinavia

America has been accused of illegally spying on hundreds of people in Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland.
Officials in the five countries expressed their unhappiness at surveillance tactics that were conducted without the knowledge of the individual nations' governments.
In other instances, it has stated it has 'nothing to hide'. But Danish security services have stated they will begin an investigation into the matter if evidence of illegal surveillance is uncovered.
When the Norwegian case became public knowledge, Denmark also raised its concerns about the surveillance of its citizens.
Danish newspaper Politiken claimed that all American embassies have surveillance teams to address threats to the U.S. security.
Former head of the Danish security service PET Jorgen Bonniksen said that he had never heard of such groups: 'If this is true, then we have to deal with illegal intelligence operations in Denmark.
'On Danish territory such operations can be conducted by PET, and PET only.'
The current head of PET, Jakob Scharf, said that if illegal activity is determined, 'of course, we will take action.'

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Danes active in terrorism abroad

Many people who are either Danish citizens or have legal residency in Denmark are involved in terror-related activities abroad and will be more closely monitored, according to intelligence agency PET.

In its 2007 annual report, the agency stated that the number of such cases is increasing and called the development 'disturbing'.

PET mentions Iraq, Somalia, Yemen and Lebanon as countries Danish residents are often using to conduct terror-related activities. The involvement can be direct or indirect, such as financial assistance or the passing on of information, according to the agency.

The report points to the three recent terror trials in Denmark - the Vollsmose, Glasvej and Glostrup cases - as evidence that foreign-based terror groups have contacts inside Denmark. In addition, the report warned of independent terror networks existing within Denmark itself.

PET also indicated that Denmark's participation in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has put more focus on the country as a target for terror organisations.

Jakob Scharf, head of PET, said creating a dialogue with the more radical groups – which tend to be of Muslim background – was a part of prevention efforts, even if the dialogue was based on disagreement. He said the UK's tactic of finding contacts that have influence over young people was of vital importance.

In addition to addressing terrorism, the report also showed that organised crime was increasing in Denmark, primarily in connection with narcotics.

Source: The Copenhagen Post