Russian couple arrested near Saab chief in Furuvik – police doubt their explanation
A Russian couple camped near the summer cottage of Saab's chief executive – police assess that their explanation is not credible. An investigation into trespass has been initiated.
Russian couple arrested near Saab chief executive's summer residence – police question the account
On 6 August, Semyon Rusanov and Tatyana Milenina pitched their tent in Furuvik, south of Gävle. At the same time, Saab's chief executive officer Micael Johansson was staying in a nearby summer cottage – who, as a consequence of his role in the defence industry, is surrounded by bodyguards. This is reported by Expressen.
The bodyguards noticed that the couple was communicating by radio with each other and heard them speaking with a Russian accent. Police were alerted and a patrol was dispatched to the location. The couple was arrested and taken to the police station in Gävle after they were unable to explain their choice of camping location.
The couple's explanation
In a conversation with border police, Rusanov and Milenina stated that they are Russian citizens but have been living in Barcelona, Spain for five years. Rusanov works as a game programmer and Milenina as a teacher in a voluntary organisation, according to their own statements.
They flew to Sweden on 31 July. For the first three nights they stayed at accommodation in Bålsta, followed by three nights camping in the forest. The plan was to continue to Sundsvall and then southwards to Stockholm, before their return journey to Barcelona on 16 August.
According to the couple themselves, they have never previously visited Sweden. Rusanov told border police that they chose the country because Spain is too hot at this time of year, and because northern Europe resembles Russia with its nature and friendly people. Milenina stated that the purpose was tourism, fishing and berry picking.
They reportedly took the train northwards from Uppsala, got off at Furuvik and then moved randomly towards the water until they set up camp at the location in question.
Police assessment
Police detained the couple in Märsta and decided the following day to expel them from Sweden.
"The police authority makes the assessment that the explanation for why they are at this inaccessible location is not credible, since it is not a natural place to end up if one walks 'towards the water' from Furuvik station," the expulsion decision states.
Police further assessed that the couple "poses a threat to internal security" and that they "provide false information to conceal the actual purpose of the journey".
Appeal and release
The couple appealed the detention decision. In their appeal, their lawyer Silas Aliki explained that the radio equipment has a natural explanation:
"[They] are outdoor enthusiasts who often move about in forest and woodland, sometimes for days. They have therefore acquired walkie-talkies so that they can communicate with each other, in case they should become separated, and because mobile phones often have no reception or run out of battery, and are sensitive to dirt and water."
On Tuesday the couple was released from detention. According to lawyer Aliki, the expulsion decision has also been quashed. Police now ask Rusanov and Milenina to leave Sweden by 16 August at the latest – the date on which their scheduled return journey was booked – but forced expulsion may become relevant if they do not travel voluntarily. The couple state via their lawyer that they intend to go home as soon as they have received back their seized mobile phones.
Investigation initiated
An investigation into trespass and preparation for serious theft has been initiated to determine whether any crime has been committed. No one has been notified of suspicion. During Tuesday and Wednesday, police conducted diving operations in the area where the couple camped to search for any criminal tools.
Background: defence industry leaders as targets
Saab, like other major actors in the defence industry, plays a central role for Sweden and allied nations' defence forces. The leading representatives of these companies can thereby become targets for espionage, threats and influence attempts from foreign powers.
In early 2025, NATO's deputy secretary general stated that Russia had plans to assassinate defence industry executives in Europe, including Armin Papperger, chief executive of the German defence company Rheinmetall. The Kremlin has dismissed the claims as "fake news".
Source: Expressen