Swedish MP who is native of Russia is suspected of 'political unreliability'
Political Secretary in the Government Office of the Nationalist Party of Sweden Democrats and native of Russia, Alexander Fridback (known under the pseudonym Putilov Yegor), became a reason for political scandal in the Swedish government.
Swedish Minister of Defense Peter Hultqvist demanded an explanation from the leader of the party about the presence of the Russian, who is suspected by national security experts for political unreliability. The Sweden Democrats party could now face a vote of no-confidence from the government. After the media’s reaction, Fridback left the party.
Fridback worked in the Swedish Migration Board and the Russian office of Swedish radio. He is known as a popular blogger and critical journalist.
Officially, Alexander Fridback has not done anything illegal. The media discovered that in 2014 Fridbak bought a house for a low price from a Russian businessman with criminal connections. Two months later, the Russian sold the property. The net profit of the transaction amounted to $700,000. For a government official, acquiring a fortune so quickly is considered unacceptable and raises suspicions.
A provocative article by Fridback and his collaboration with right-wing extremist movements have raised concerns from national security experts. The director for the Center for Asymmetric Threat Studies at the Swedish Defense University, Lars Nicander, said that the Russian’s free access to the Swedish government building could have negative consequences for the country. Fridbak had the opportunity to participate in closed discussions that were of importance to Russia, for example, regarding Sweden’s membership in NATO or laying the Nord Stream pipeline. Experts fear that the Russian could have placed bugs in the government office.
According to Swedish police, at least 10 Russian agents have been exposed in Sweden in the past year. They tried to manipulate public opinion, cooperating with various right-wing extremist movements.