German counter-espionage bureau (WWII)

During World War II Stockholm became the “Casablanca of the North” and a magnet for spies. It was one of very few places in Europe where all significant intelligence services were represented. Enemies could end up living in the same building or taking the same bus. Östermalm turned into a center for diplomacy and espionage as many Americans, Russians, Britons and Germans lived and worked in this part of the city.

The Germans had their discrete base at Nybrogatan 27 known as “Büro Wagner”. Major Hans Wagner (aka Dr. Wagner) of the German Intelligence Service (Abwehr) led the German counter-espionage activities from here while the official German legation was at Hovslagargatan 2.

C.G.McKay describes these activities in his book “From Information to Intrigue”: “Of central importance was the collection of information for counter-espionage purposes; the identification of possible Allied agents; Communist activities within Sweden; Norwegian refugees, their contacts with Norway and their possible involvement in sabotage there; the same for Danes; the names and addresses of German refugees and what they were up to; the courier air service between Sweden and Britain; people active in politics in Sweden, etc.”

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