The Swedish Security Police confirmed that “detonations” were the source of the damage to the two Nord Stream gas pipelines, after completing the crime scene investigation into gas leaks that were discovered more than a week ago.
The blasts caused “extensive damage” to gas pipelines in the Swedish economic zone, the Security Police said on Thursday, adding that their investigation reinforced “suspects of gross sabotage”.
News of the leaks sparked a furor among several European leaders, who said sabotage appeared to be the likely cause. At the time, US President Joe Biden called the Nord Stream gas pipeline leaks a “deliberate act of sabotage,” although he did not directly blame Moscow for the leaks.
Russia, which built the network, did not rule this out.
Why does it matter: both pipelines have been the focus of a growing energy war between European capitals and Moscow, which has hit major western economies, pushed up gas prices and sparked a search for alternative energy sources.
According to the Swedish police, “certain seizures” were also made as part of the investigation and are now being reviewed and analyzed.
An ongoing investigation would also show whether “someone can be charged and subsequently prosecuted,” the police statement said.
After the investigation was completed, the cordons around the site were lifted, the Swedish prosecutor’s office confirmed in a statement.
With information from Chris Liakos, Allie Malloy and Maegan Vazquez of CNN.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m James Harper, a highly experienced and accomplished news writer for World Stock Market. I have been writing in the Politics section of the website for over five years, providing readers with up-to-date and insightful information about current events in politics. My work is widely read and respected by many industry professionals as well as laymen.
