The attacks that destroyed sections of the pipeline that carries gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea, has been an act of sabotage, Swedish officials confirmed on Friday.
“During the crime scene investigations that were carried out on site in the Baltic Sea, extensive seizures were made, and the area has been carefully documented,” prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist who is leading the preliminary investigation said in a statement.
“Analysis that has now been carried out shows traces of explosives on several of the foreign objects that were found. Advanced analysis work continues in order to be able to draw firmer conclusions about the incident,” he added.
The statement further says that “the preliminary investigation is very complex and comprehensive” and that the work continues.
However, no suspects have been named in the release. It further praises Swedish authorities for cooperating with officials in other countries working on the matter.
It concludes by saying that the prosecutor won’t be providing any further access to the media.
Large-scale ruptures in the pipelines had led to gas leak that was visible from the surface of the Baltic sea. In October, underwater footage revealed the extent of the damage. The leak triggered warnings of public hazard and fears of environmental damage.
The Russian defence ministry later, without any evidence, accused British navy personnel of blowing up the pipelines. London thrashed all such reports and said the comments were designed to distract from Russian military failures in Ukraine.