Investigation into gas pipeline sabotage revives race for control of the sea floor

Ten days after the bombings of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, which took place on September 26 in the Baltic Sea, in the Danish and Swedish economic zones, the judicial investigation crawl. Conducted with civilian and military resources by Denmark, Sweden and Germany as part of a joint team, it promises to be technically sensitive and subject to strong pressure, as this alleged sabotage raises concerns about seabed control in a number of European countries.

On Thursday October 6, Swedish Security (SAPO) indicated, in a press release, that the first searches at the site of the leaks, which began over the weekend, may “Reinforce suspicions of aggravated sabotage”. If Säpo did not specify what kind of information he had, investigators were able to note that the bombings had taken place.” close ” Gas pipelines, not above or inside, as may have been mentioned at one time. They also reported that they provided “fits” for analysis. However, no suspects have been named at this point: “Continuing the preliminary investigation should show whether someone could be involved and then prosecute.”The statement said.

While many observers in Russia are suspicious, the consortium Nord Stream AG that manages the gas pipeline operation and whose main shareholder is Russia’s Gazprom – targeted by European sanctions – is currently far from being investigated. In a press release published on Tuesday, October 4, Nord Stream AG said it regretted being unable to access the leak sites with its survey vessel, particularly due to a lack of“permissions” Administrative services of the Swedish and Norwegian authorities. Russia has officially denied all the accusations against it.

However, an investigation by the Swedish daily Dagens Nytter Based on maritime traffic data, it indicates that Swedish authorities had doubts about possible Russian actions even before the gas pipeline exploded. In an article published on September 30, The log reveals that a Swedish naval vessel sailed in an unusual fashion from September 22 to 24 in an area of ​​potential sabotage in the future. Journalists pointed out that this ship, during this period, turned on its AIS transceiver (the device that determines the movements of the boat) several times, and that it moved from one gas pipeline to another before it was detected, on the twenty-fifth of this month. Near Russian territorial waters, near the Kaliningrad province. This information was partially confirmed by the Swedish Navy.

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