OSLO: A former security guard who worked at the US embassy in Oslo has gone on trial, accused of passing confidential information to Russian and Iranian intelligence.

The individual, aged in his late 20s, is charged with supplying details about embassy operations between March 2024 and November 2020.

According to the charge sheet, he received payment in euros and bitcoin for this service.

The prosecution claims that he provided contact information for diplomats, embassy staff, and their families, as well as diplomatic license plate numbers and floor plans of the embassy.

Additionally, security routines and a list of couriers used by Norway's intelligence service are alleged to have been passed on.

On the first day of the trial, evidence was presented in court, including an email to the Russian embassy where the defendant wrote that he had 'information that could be useful.' The trial is expected to last eight days.

The defendant's lawyer stated that while they acknowledge the facts of the case, they deny criminal liability and expressed regret for their actions but maintained that the individual is not a spy.

If found guilty, the former guard faces up to 21 years in prison.

Norway has frequently accused Russia, Iran, and China as major threats regarding espionage.