Lars Findsen and three other intelligence officers are suspected of security offenses, which may be related to a string of reports released in recent years that included classified information. "This is utter madness," said the intelligence chief, who will remain in custody until next month
The head of Denmark's intelligence services, Lars Finnsen, has been arrested on suspicion of being involved in leaking highly classified information, the state media reported, following a court hearing in which the restraining order was lifted. The country's two intelligence services have been embroiled in a scandal since four workers and former employees were arrested last month on suspicion of leaking secret information, and the affair could damage their global image. Findsen is the only one of four left in custody while the investigation continues.
"I want the charges to be exposed and I do not admit guilt. This is complete madness," Pindsen told reporters yesterday during the hearing, at the end of which the judge decided to extend his detention until February 4. The prosecution declined to comment on the affair and could not contact Pindsen or his lawyer. Since the affair is taking place behind closed doors, the information about it is very limited and it is not clear what information was leaked.
The Security and Intelligence Service (PET) said the four intelligence officers are accused of violating part of the penal code, which includes treason, following "the transfer of highly classified information". The service said classified information could cause Denmark or EU countries and NATO "significant or extreme damage" if passed on. The maximum penalty for this offense is 12 years in prison.
In the public channel DR, which quoted anonymous sources, an affair related to the leaking of classified information to Danish media. The channel reported in 2020 that the Danish Defense Intelligence Service shared information with the United States National Security Agency so that it had access to personal information and private communications of Danish citizens. Last year, several media outlets in the country published reports on Danish intelligence activities based on secret information.
Pindsen has been embroiled in another affair in the past. He and four other intelligence officers were suspended in August 2020 after an independent body overseeing intelligence accused him of a string of serious violations. However, last month these charges were dismissed by a commission of inquiry, and the suspensions were dropped.
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