Intelligence officers from several countries operate in Norway. In order to collect the target information, intelligence officers attempt to build up a good network and build rapport with persons who have access to such information.
Counter intelligence work entails to a large extent identifying the different players stationed in Norway on assignment for foreign countries.
We can draw a rough distinction between people who knowingly and wilfully provide sensitive or extremely valuable information to a foreign country, and people who do not realise that they are participating in such activity. People in the latter category can risk criminal sanctions if they ought to have realised that they were involved in illegal intelligence activity.
Intelligence officers and diplomatic status
Intelligence officers who are part of foreign countries' intelligence services can claim diplomatic immunity for their activities in Norway. Diplomats are protected by the Vienna Convention, and as a general rule can therefore not be prosecuted.
The Vienna Convention contains rules governing the work of diplomats all over the world. These rules concern extra-territorial jurisdiction, diplomatic immunity and privileges. It is therefore not possible to apply the provisions of the Norwegian Immigration Act and Penal Code to deal with people who have been granted diplomatic status in Norway.