5 Swedish nationals arrested in Tunisia on suspicion of joining terror group, espionage

By Alexandra Enberg

IZMIR (AA) - The Swedish Foreign Ministry confirmed Friday to Anadolu that five Swedish nationals from the Svealand region have been detained in Tunisia on suspicion of being members of a terror organization.

They were initially arrested at the end of October and now have been re-arrested on suspicion of espionage after being found in possession of sophisticated firearms.

Their movements had been monitored until their residences were determined. A thorough search of the premises revealed firearms, in addition to ammunition consisting of more than 50 bullets.

The Grombalia Court of First Instance decided to transfer the case to the judicial center for the fight against terrorism.

The Anti-Terrorism Judicial Unit issued committal warrants against the men on charges related to espionage on behalf of foreign entities.

The investigation was initiated based on information received by the Judicial Police Division in Hammamet, which discovered the suspects were of Swedish nationality. The case will be further investigated by the National Anti-Terrorism Unit of Bouchoucha, according to local media.

It has also been reported that the suspects have connections to gang-related crime in Sweden, according to Swedish radio.