Scandal forces swift resignation of Swedish security chief over dating site omission

Sweden’s newly appointed national security adviser, Tobias Thyberg, abruptly resigned on May 9, just one day after assuming the high-profile role, following revelations that he had failed to disclose personal information during his security vetting.

Thyberg, a senior diplomat who previously served as ambassador to both Ukraine and Afghanistan, stepped down after Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson publicly criticised him for omitting the existence of images that had been posted years ago on a dating platform, Caliber.Az reports via Western media.

“These are old pictures from an account I previously had on the dating site Grindr. I should have informed about this, but I did not,” Thyberg said.

Sweden’s government confirmed that Thyberg had failed to mention the photos during his security background check, which is a standard procedure for individuals taking on roles that involve access to classified or sensitive information. Such checks typically require candidates to disclose any details that could make them vulnerable to coercion or blackmail.

The resignation marks the second time in recent months that the national security adviser's office has been engulfed in controversy. Thyberg’s predecessor resigned earlier this year and is now facing criminal charges over the negligent handling of classified material.

Thyberg did not respond to requests for comment on Friday. He had been scheduled to accompany Prime Minister Kristersson to Oslo for a summit of northern European leaders, but his participation in the delegation was abruptly cancelled.

Speaking from the sidelines of the summit in Norway, Kristersson criticised the vetting process. “It is a systemic failure that this kind of information has not been brought forward,” he told reporters.

The controversy comes as Sweden reaffirms its commitment to democratic values abroad. On Thursday, the government announced a donation of 20 million Swedish crowns (approximately $2.1 million) to support Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), following the US administration’s decision to cut federal funding for the outlet.

"This decision is part of our continued work to support journalists and independent media," the Swedish government said in a statement. "After the US withdrew its support for Radio Free Europe, people in many countries risk losing access to free media."

The Prague-based broadcaster, which was originally established during the Cold War to provide uncensored news to audiences behind the Iron Curtain, currently targets countries including Russia and Ukraine.

President Donald Trump in March ordered the termination of grants to RFE/RL as part of broader cost-cutting measures, a move that media watchdogs warn could significantly weaken independent journalism in authoritarian-ruled regions.