According to www.Dimma.fo, Danish security services are closely monitoring Russian ships in Faroese waters amid suspicions of espionage and sabotage activity, the Danish justice minister has informed a Faroese MP.
Minister confirms targeted supervision
The assurance came in a written reply from Peter Hummelgaard to Sjúrður Skaale, who asked how robust the supervision is of Russian vessels operating under the islands. The minister stated that security agencies “take the threat seriously” and maintain a targeted watch on blacklisted ships, although operational findings cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality.
Melkart-2 under heavy checks
Hummelgaard cited “extensive” checks on the Melkart-2 when it berthed in Klaksvík in July, including surveillance from both sea and air by a military aircraft, as well as police boarding to inspect the crew’s passports. He stressed that the Faroe Islands’ security is integral to that of the Danish Kingdom, adding: “There should be no doubt that the Faroe Islands’ security is also the Kingdom’s security.”
PET highlights wider intelligence risk
The minister’s note referenced earlier assessments by the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET), warning of a risk of Russian intelligence activity around the Faroe Islands. He also pointed to close cooperation with Norway, the UK and NATO on North Atlantic monitoring.
Skaale welcomed the response, saying it was “good to know that the authorities have a watchful eye on the Russian ships”. However, he noted the enhanced scrutiny described appeared to follow his parliamentary questions. Dimma.fo reports that Copenhagen has also announced a further strengthening of PET’s presence in the Faroe Islands this month.