Denmark’s intelligence chief detained for information leaks

ANKARA

The chief of Denmark’s foreign and military intelligence service has been in custody for over a month on charges of leaking highly classified information, local media reported.

Lars Findsen, head of the Danish Defense Intelligence Service, was among four current and former intelligence officers arrested last month over allegations of leaking classified material.

He was named in reports by local media outlets on Monday, including state broadcaster DR after a publication ban was lifted at a court hearing the same day.

The exact charges against Findsen have not been revealed.

The case, however, concerns leaks of classified information, and hearings are closed to the public and media, DR reported.

Findsen faces charges related to disclosure of state secrets, which falls in the category of treason under Denmark’s penal code and carries a penalty of up to 12 years in prison, the report added.

Findsen was under surveillance before he was detained, with intelligence officials even tapping his phones, according to DR.

Speaking to reporters after Monday’s hearing in the capital Copenhagen, Findsen dismissed the charges as “insane.”

“I want the charges brought forward and I plead not guilty,” he said.