Wisma Putra confirms Malaysian citizen detained in Norway

PUTRAJAYA - The Foreign Ministry confirms that man detained in Norway on suspicion of involvement in espionage activities is a Malaysian citizen.

In a statement via the Malaysian Embassy in Stockholm, the ministry said it is closely liaising with local authorities in Oslo, Norway, to obtain further information regarding the case.

"The Ministry will continue to monitor the developments of the case and will provide consular assistance as needed," said the ministry on Tuesday.

Earlier, quoting The Nordic Page, the 25-year-old Malaysian student was arrested last Friday on suspicion of being involved in espionage activities, including signal intelligence surveillance, in Norway, including wiretapping.

The suspect was detained by the Norwegian Intelligence Service (PST), which is responsible for preventing espionage activities in the country.

The suspect has also denied those allegations and said his actions have no connection with Malaysia.

It was reported that he was arrested on Friday (Sept 8) and was charged in court on Sunday (Sept 10) with espionage and intelligence operations against the country.

The man, whose identity was not disclosed, has pleaded not guilty in initial police questioning.

According to Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), the student is not enrolled at an educational institution in Norway and has been living in Norway for a relatively short time.

Citing the arrest order, NRK said the suspect had allegedly been caught conducting illegal signal surveillance in a rental car near the Norwegian prime minister's office and the defence ministry.