High-Ranking Diplomat Found Dead Days After Being Arrested on Suspicion of Spying

A high-ranking Swedish diplomat was found dead after being questioned by Swedish authorities on suspicion of spying.

The diplomat, whose identity has not been released, was arrested by Sweden’s intelligence service on Sunday, May 11, and released on Wednesday, May 14, according to the BBC. The official denied any wrongdoing, though he was still under suspicion, per the outlet.

The man reportedly sought medical treatment after his release from custody, and also submitted a report claiming that excessive force was used during his arrest. 

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In a statement to the BBC, the man’s lawyer, Anton Strand, said: “I have ensured his formal report about abuse during the arrest has arrived to the special investigations unit. An investigation has started regarding this.”

PEOPLE reached out to Strand for comment on Saturday, May 17, but did not receive an immediate response.

Images of the man’s home released on Swedish TV appeared to show that the front door had been forced open during his arrest, though the Swedish intelligence service maintains that the arrest was peaceful, according to the BBC.

Police said the circumstances surrounding the diplomat’s death are not currently being treated as suspicious, per the outlet. His cause of death has not been released.

Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, said it was a “heavy day” after hearing “the sad message that a colleague has passed away” in a statement to TT, the country’s national news service, per the Sweden Herald.

“My thoughts are with the colleague’s family and colleagues,” Stenergard added.