Swedish police alerted to reported pattern among ferry arrivals from former Soviet states

Swedish police have reportedly been alerted to a pattern involving travelers arriving by ferry from former Soviet countries who claim they are coming to Scandinavia for fishing but allegedly arrive without any fishing equipment.

According to Aftonbladet, some of the travelers have Russian citizenship, often alongside another nationality, and reportedly arrive carrying multiple mobile phones, payment cards, cash, drones and other cameras.

Some are also reportedly unable to provide a clear travel itinerary or bookings showing where they will stay or how they will travel around Scandinavia.

Aftonbladet says internal documents seen by the newspaper show that Swedish border and maritime police have noticed the pattern and that relevant police units have been urged to remain alert to these types of travelers.

The reported equipment also includes new backpacks, watches and electric toothbrushes, according to the documents. Swedish police have not confirmed the specific details of the reported pattern.

In a statement to Aftonbladet, police said they do not comment on specific methods used by border and maritime police, but that they cooperate and share information with several other authorities.