Sweden accuses Iran of orchestrating text message campaign following Quran burnings
- In Reports
- 05:00 PM, Sep 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
Swedish authorities have accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of conducting a data breach that resulted in thousands of threatening text messages sent to citizens. These messages, written in Swedish, called for revenge over the public burnings of the Quran in 2023. Senior prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist explained that the IRGC breached the systems of a Swedish company operating an SMS service, enabling the mass distribution of around 15,000 messages. The investigation, carried out by Sweden's SAPO domestic security agency, identified the IRGC’s involvement, but the company targeted was not named.
The texts were linked to a group identifying itself as the "Anzu team," which sent out calls for retaliation. The message campaign followed a string of Quran burnings in Sweden, protests that were legally sanctioned under the country’s freedom of speech laws, protected by its constitution. These burnings, however, have caused widespread international condemnation, particularly from Muslim-majority nations such as Iran.
The investigation highlights growing concerns over cyberattacks and influence operations. This is seen as a significant escalation of foreign interference, raising questions about the extent to which international entities are willing to exploit cyber vulnerabilities to influence public opinion and incite tension within Sweden.
While Iran has yet to comment on these accusations, the incident marks a tense moment in Swedish-Iranian relations, adding to ongoing global concerns over cyber warfare. Diplomatic ties between Sweden and various countries, especially in the Muslim world, have been strained due to the Quran burnings, and this cyber incident underscores the challenges Sweden faces in balancing free speech with international sensitivities. Further investigations are ongoing as Swedish authorities assess the full scope of the breach.
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