Swedish police boards Chinese bulker to observe cable outage
On Thursday, Swedish police boarded the *Yi Peng 3*, a 23-year-old panamax bulker owned by Ningbo Yipeng Shipping. This vessel has become a focal point in an investigation into the severing of two crucial data cables in the Baltic Sea. The boarding occurred after an invitation from Chinese authorities, highlighting the international dimension of this investigation. The *Yi Peng 3* is considered the top suspect in the case, which involves the damage to the Swedish-Lithuanian and Finnish-German fiber-optic cables that occurred in November.
Since the incident, the *Yi Peng 3* has been anchored in the Kattegat Sea. Diplomatic discussions between Sweden and China have revolved around access to the vessel. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that while they sought China’s cooperation in the investigation, there were no accusations directed at China. The police stated that their role on board was merely observational, as Chinese authorities led the investigation. Danish authorities played a supportive role in facilitating this visit, which also included representatives from Germany, Finland, and Denmark.
The Swedish Police Authority clarified that no investigative measures were conducted by them while on board. They reiterated that the preliminary investigation into the sabotage of the two cable breaks continues, underscoring the ongoing nature of this complex case.
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Joint Investigation Efforts and Findings
The preliminary investigation into the cable severing began in November, shortly after the incident. Authorities from Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania formed a joint investigative team to determine the cause of the damage. This team is led by Sweden’s state prosecutor, Henrik Söderman, who specializes in international and organized crime. The collaboration among these nations reflects the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications for international communications.
Recent developments have intensified suspicions of sabotage. Earlier this week, Norwegian TV 2 and Swedish TV 4 released underwater footage that shows a significant drag mark on the seabed. This mark was discovered where the *Yi Peng 3* passed over Danish data cables. The footage was captured using underwater drones operated by the television stations in collaboration with Blueye Robotics. These findings have raised concerns about the possibility of deliberate actions leading to the cable damage.
Despite the mounting evidence, the Swedish Police Authority has made it clear that the investigations conducted on the *Yi Peng 3* were not part of the preliminary investigation. This distinction is crucial as it indicates that while the police are involved, they are not directly conducting investigative actions related to the cable severing at this stage. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the truth behind the incident and ensure the security of international data communications in the region.
