Swedish prosecutors have launched a preliminary investigation into suspected aggravated sabotage after a vessel in the Baltic Sea was detained for allegedly damaging an underwater fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland. The vessel, identified as the Malta-flagged Vezhen, was seized near the port of Karlskrona.
Authorities involved in the investigation include the National Police Operations Department, the Coast Guard, and the Armed Forces. The Swedish Coast Guard confirmed their presence at the site and stated that measures are being taken as directed by the prosecutor.
The vessel had departed from the Russian port of Ust-Luga and was navigating between Gotland and Latvia when the damage to the cable was suspected to have occurred. Latvia's state-run radio and TV center reported disruptions in data transmission on the cable running from Ventspils to Gotland, indicating a rupture.
According to Vineta Sprugaine, head of corporate communications at LVRTC, there is reason to believe that the cable sustained significant damage due to external influences. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have both expressed commitment to investigating the incident in collaboration with NATO.
The incident has raised concerns about potential Russian sabotage and spying in the region. Previous incidents of data cable ruptures in the Baltic Sea have been linked to Russia's shadow fleet, which includes aging tankers evading sanctions. NATO recently initiated the 'Baltic Sentry' mission to enhance surveillance and deterrence in the Baltic Sea, aiming to protect undersea cables and pipelines.
