# Swedish security concerns over Russian real estate

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/swedish-security-concerns-over-russian-real-estate
> Updated: 2026-09-21T03:54:12.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2.

Swedish military and security officials have raised alarms regarding Russian-owned real estate being used for potential espionage or sabotage. The Swedish Armed Forces requested the government to expropriate a strategic property near the Muskö Naval Base, noting it is a critical security vulnerability. This site, reportedly linked to Russian businessman Stanislav Aleshchenko, provides a clear view of a main entrance to the base. Chief of the Defence Staff Carl-Johan Edström indicated that the rise in drone warfare has made such locations particularly dangerous.

Further investigations by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) identified 247 Russian-owned properties across Sweden, though officials suggest the actual number may be much higher. Defense Minister Pål Jonson reported an increase in foreign intelligence gathering, while political figures have characterized these activities as part of Russian hybrid warfare. 

Despite these risks, Swedish authorities noted a lack of legal tools to prevent such real estate acquisitions, contrasting with Finland, which implemented a law in July 2025 prohibiting Russian citizens from purchasing real estate.

## Claims

- FOI identified 247 Russian-owned properties in Sweden. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Peter Hultqvist stated that Russia is conducting hybrid warfare against Sweden and other countries. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Defense Minister Pål Jonson confirmed that foreign intelligence gathering in Sweden has increased. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Finland implemented a law in July 2025 preventing Russian citizens from purchasing real estate. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- FOI researchers had to manually review approximately 10,000 names of owners living abroad. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Sweden lacks legal tools to stop Russian real estate purchases amid espionage concerns

Swedish experts warn that Russian-owned properties could serve as bases for espionage or sabotage, noting that the state currently lacks laws to block such purchases, unlike neighboring Finland.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sweden-lacks-legal-tools-to-stop-russian-real-estate-purchases-amid-espionage-concerns

### 2026-08-25: Swedish military seeks to expropriate Russian-linked property near Muskö Naval Base

The Swedish military has requested the expropriation of a property near the Muskö Naval Base to defend against Russian drone threats. The site is reportedly linked to a Russian businessman.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swedish-military-seeks-expropriation-of-russian-owned-property-near-naval-base

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Cite as: Swedish security concerns over Russian real estate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/swedish-security-concerns-over-russian-real-estate