Security officials in Sweden have arrested 4 individuals near the capital, Stockholm, on charges of preparing to commit a terrorist crime, according to the Swedish Security Service “SAPO” on Thursday.
Authorities have identified a connection between the activities of the four individuals and violent extremism and organized crime in Sweden.
SAPO and the Swedish police reportedly raided a house in the city of Täby.
The Swedish news agency “TT” reported that the police have been investigating the case for a while.
The Swedish newspaper “Expressen” stated that explosions were heard when the police unit stormed the building.
Serious weapons-related crimes have also been charged against the four suspects. The report indicates that the police also raided other homes.
The Swedish Security Service stated in a statement that the police arrested four individuals on suspicion of preparing for a “terrorist” crime.
A spokesperson for the agency told Reuters, “We see connections to serious organized crime groups, as well as international connections that we link to the terrorist organization ISIS.”
The spokesperson did not provide further details about the suspected links to ISIS, the identities of the suspects, or the nature of the alleged planned attack.
The police, in a statement, said the arrests came after extensive investigation into the case. The Public Prosecutor’s Office separately stated that the arrests took place in the Stockholm area.
Swedish media earlier reported that a large number of police officers led by the Security Service conducted arrest operations in Täby, a southern suburb of the Swedish capital.
