Denmark accuses China, Russia and Iran of attempted spying
- The Danish Intelligence Service said there had been numerous examples of attempted spying on Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
- The Arctic has increasing geopolitical importance because of its natural resources, sea lanes, research and militarily strategic areas
Denmark warned on Thursday of a rising espionage threat from Russia, China, Iran and others, including in the Arctic region where global powers are jostling for resources and sea routes.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service said there had been numerous examples of attempted spying on Denmark, whose active global role had helped make it a tempting target.
“The threat from foreign intelligence activities against Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands has increased in recent years,” Anders Henriksen, head of counter-intelligence at the Danish Security and Intelligence Service, said in a report.
Greenland and the Faroe Islands are sovereign territories under the Kingdom of Denmark and also members of the Arctic Council forum. Copenhagen handles most of their foreign and security matters.
The report cited a 2019 incident of a forged letter purporting to be from Greenland’s foreign minister to a US Senator saying an independent referendum was in the offing.
