The operation proceeded peacefully, and the Swedish special services SAPO and the prosecutor's office were also involved. According to John Granlund, a reporter for SVT television specializing in security issues, the search may be related to suspicions of hybrid activity or arms trafficking.
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The ship's suspicious past
Although Adler is officially listed as a cargo ship, it belongs to M Leasing LLC, which is subject to sanctions from the United States and the European Union. According to Ukrainian intelligence, in 2018 the unit transported missiles to China, and other ships of the same shipowner transported ammunition from North Korea to Russia. This ammunition was to be used in the war against Ukraine.
Additional suspicions are raised by an incident from September, described by the Portuguese media. The Adler was then towed by the Portuguese authorities to Algeria after it was refused entry to a Portuguese port. It was suspected that there were weapons on board intended for Russian mercenaries operating in Africa.
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Failure or excuse?
Adler sailed from the port of Bronka near St. Petersburg in mid-week, and on Friday night it anchored near the Swedish port of Hoeganaes. The crew sent an SOS signal, reporting an engine failure. However, the ship's destination and the cargo it is carrying remain unclear.
The “Sydsvenskan” newspaper reminds that Adler has repeatedly appeared in the context of suspicious shipments, which further strengthens concerns about his presence in international waters. At this moment, the analysis of the materials collected during the search of the unit is ongoing.
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