SÄPO

Säkerhetspolisen, commonly known as Säpo, is Sweden’s national security service. Its core mission is to safeguard Sweden’s constitutional order and national security by countering threats such as espionage, sabotage, and terrorism, and by protecting government institutions, critical infrastructure, and certain individuals.

The agency conducts intelligence analysis, risk assessments, and threat evaluations, and it provides protective security guidance. When required, Säpo offers operational support to the police in security matters and coordinates with international partners to counter activities by foreign and domestic actors that could endanger Sweden.

Organization and oversight are designed to ensure accountability. Säpo is led by a Director General and is integrated into the state security framework, with accountability to the government and subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Much of Säpo’s work is confidential, but the agency periodically publishes security reports and threat assessments to inform public understanding of security risks.

History and mandate developments reflect Sweden’s changing security needs. Säpo was established in the 1930s to counter espionage and protect public order and the constitution; over time its mandate expanded to emphasize counterterrorism and the protection of democratic institutions. The name Säpo is widely recognized as shorthand for Säkerhetspolisen.

Overall, Säpo operates as Sweden’s central authority for domestic security, coordinating with other authorities to detect, prevent, and respond to national-level security threats while maintaining a balance between security needs and civil liberties.