Sweden Halts Nord Stream Sabotage Probe

Sweden has dropped its investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea, as announced by prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist. The Swedish Prosecution Authority determined it lacks the legal authority to continue the investigation. Mats Ljungqvist cannot provide information about any suspects. Discovered in late September 2022, the pipeline damage was quickly determined to be sabotage rather than natural occurrences. Investigations were initiated by Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. While Denmark’s investigation is still underway with expected updates soon, Sweden concluded the sabotage was not directed specifically against it or a threat to national security. The lacerations occurred in the exclusive economic zones of Denmark and Sweden in international waters. Russia’s Gazprom holds major shares in the companies owning Nord Stream 1 and 2, and although there has been widespread speculation, no public accusations have been substantiated regarding who is responsible for the sabotage.