Iran Behind Cyberattack Targeting Sweden with Revenge Texts Over Quran Burnings

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Swedish authorities have accused Iran of orchestrating a cyberattack that resulted in thousands of text messages being sent to residents in Sweden, calling for revenge over Quran burnings in 2023. The public desecrations of Islam's holy book, which occurred over several months that year, sparked outrage, leading to tensions both domestically and internationally.

 

According to Sweden’s domestic security agency, SAPO, the cyberattack was traced back to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). Mats Ljungqvist, a senior prosecutor in Stockholm, stated that a data breach occurred at a Swedish company that manages a large SMS service, enabling around 15,000 text messages to be sent in Swedish. The messages reportedly demanded revenge for the burnings and came from a group calling itself the Anzu team.

 

One message, shared by Swedish broadcaster SVT, described those responsible for the Quran desecrations as "demons" and warned that their work would be "covered in ashes." These threats arrived in August 2023, shortly after the Quran burnings, which were organized under Sweden’s constitutionally protected right to free speech.

 

The controversial rallies—approved by police but condemned by many—reflected the country’s strong stance on free expression. However, they also ignited debate over the balance between freedom of speech and respect for religious minorities. Sweden’s government condemned the burnings as an "Islamophobic act," but also emphasized that the actions did not represent the country's stance.

 

The burnings also added complexity to Sweden’s bid to join NATO, a move that gained urgency following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkey, a key NATO member, initially opposed Sweden’s membership, partly due to the anti-Islamic protests. However, after several diplomatic engagements, Sweden successfully joined NATO in March 2024.

 

The cyberattack, attributed to Iran, appeared to be a deliberate attempt to sow discord within Swedish society. SAPO’s operational manager, Fredrik Hallström, stated that the messages aimed to depict Sweden as an Islamophobic nation and create societal division. He noted that foreign powers are increasingly taking advantage of vulnerabilities, acting more aggressively, and warned of a potential escalation of such activities.

 

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer echoed the gravity of the situation, calling the Iranian-backed attack a serious attempt to destabilize Sweden. Though Sweden’s legal system does not currently prohibit the burning of religious texts like the Quran, officials emphasized that foreign interference in Swedish affairs posed a significant threat.

 

Despite the closure of the preliminary investigation into the data breach, prosecutor Ljungqvist clarified that the suspected hackers had not been completely ruled out. The investigation could be reopened should further evidence arise. Meanwhile, Iran’s embassy in Sweden has yet to comment on the accusations, and tensions between the two countries persist.

 

This incident marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing confrontation between Iran and various Western countries, with cyberattacks becoming a key tool in Iran’s strategy to challenge its adversaries. It also highlights the challenges Sweden faces in navigating its commitment to free speech while maintaining social cohesion in the face of foreign interference.

 

Based on a report from: The Independent 2024-09-25