Klas Friberg appointed new Head of the Swedish Security Service

NordenBladet – The Swedish Government has appointed Klas Friberg, formerly Chief Commissioner of Police Region West, as new Director General and Head of the Swedish Security Service. Mr Friberg assumes this post on 1 March 2018.

“It is exciting, challenging and inspiring to come to an organisation responsible for protecting our democracy. In my police career, I have been in close contact with the Security Service on a number of occasions and I have also had the opportunity to meet with Security Service staff who I view as very committed and knowledgeable in their field”, says Klas Friberg.

He also mentions that there are numerous challenges associated with the current security situation in Sweden, with growing extremist environments and increasing intelligence activities carried out by foreign powers against our country. In this context, ensuring the security of the parliamentary election later this year will require considerable efforts.

“Cooperation with the Swedish Police is important when it comes to building a more secure Sweden. There are areas in which our cooperation could improve and develop, and this is also true for other authorities”, says Friberg.

“I am happy to appoint Klas Friberg as new Head of the Swedish Security Service. Klas Friberg has extensive experience from his work for the Swedish Police, for instance as Head of the National Bureau of Investigation and, more recently, his excellent performance as Chief Commissioner for Police Region West”, said Morgan Johansson, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, during a press conference on 28 February.

Klas Friberg has worked for the Swedish Police for more than 27 years. In 2002, he was appointed Chief Commissioner of the County Police in Västra Götaland County. A few years later, he assumed the post of Head of the County Criminal Investigation Department in Västra Götaland County. In December 2010, he was appointed Head of the Swedish National Bureau of Investigation and, after that, he assumed the post of County Police Commissioner of the Västra Götaland County Police. Between January 2015 and February 2018, he held the post of Chief Commissioner for Police Region West.

Klas Friberg assumes the post of Director General and Head of the Swedish Security Service on 1 March 2018, succeeding Anders Thornberg who was recently appointed National Police Commissioner.

Source: sakerhetspolisen.se