Espionage of the Norwegian oil sector – E24

The Police Security Service (PST) considers that several countries are seeking information on the Norwegian oil sector. In a recent report, the PST highlights public and private companies, technology environments in universities and research environments, as well as the Norwegian authorities as targets.

“Intelligence activities targeting the Norwegian oil sector are considered to have great potential for harm to Norway in the long term, both militarily and economically and for national security,” the PST writes in the report.

PST expects intelligence activity against the Norwegian oil sector to continue for the next 18 months. Intelligence services in other countries are also seen as likely to increase their focus on renewable energy.

Senior Adviser Martin Berntsen at PST says the report they released Thursday is an updated threat picture that they have shared with the public.

– We want to raise awareness about the threat to intelligence in the oil sector in society, says Berntsen.

– Primitive propaganda

The Security Service notes that both China and Russia obtain information on the Norwegian oil sector. Among the information that should be interesting, PST highlights the oil technology, the strategies and positions of the Norwegian authorities, as well as the economic conditions.

In a statement to Dagens Næringsliv, the Russian embassy in Norway writes that there is nothing new in the PST statements, and that there is only general speculation.

– The special service has been engaged in primitive propaganda for several years, it frightens the population of Norway, looking for enemies where they do not exist, writes the embassy to DN, who first mentioned the report.

They believe that Norway “instead of demonizing Russia” should think about facilitating further cooperation.

The newspaper has also contacted the Chinese embassy, ​​which has not responded to the query.

– Many people trust information of value to strangers.

The PST believes that petroleum technology developed in Norway may have “multipurpose military potential” and that therefore intelligence activity can strengthen the military capabilities and capabilities of other countries.

“In addition, intelligence activity against the Norwegian oil sector can be used for economic gain and, in the worst case, undermine the competitiveness of Norwegian companies,” continues PST.

It is also emphasized that in the worst case, intelligence information about the sector can be used to carry out acts of sabotage.

– All companies that operate with high technology should be aware of the intelligence threat and make assessments of the technology they are in, and if someone would want to perform intelligence to obtain it, says Berntsen in PST.

It says that not only the oil giants are affected by espionage.

– There are many Norwegian companies that have a lot of valuable information for foreigners. Intelligence against the oil sector has been going on for years and will in all likelihood continue through analog and digital methods. Therefore, these companies must consider how they can counter this threat.

Recruitment sources

The security service also mentions that a central task of the intelligence services of other countries is to recruit sources.

“The PST considers that people who work or have another connection with the oil sector, as well as people who work or have contacts in oil and gas policy, can be approached and tried to be recruited by the intelligence services of others countries, “writes PST.

Business conferences and fairs stand out as natural places where spies can initiate contact with people with relevant professional competence, or who have a personal network of interest.

DNV GL employee charged with espionage

In August, PST announced that it had accused a DNV GL employee of handing over information to a foreign state that could harm fundamental national interests.

The man was arrested while sitting in a meeting with what PST believes was a Russian intelligence officer.

Subsequently, the charge has also been extended to serious corruption. The man is still in custody.

He has denied criminal guilt, but upon questioning he has admitted receiving money for receiving money to provide information.

PST has previously stated that this investigation is expected to be completed in spring 2021.