Authorities move to reclaim public funds and tighten oversight as Sweden’s security agency exposes Tehran’s influence in religious institutions
Sweden’s Agency for Support to Faith Communities (SST) has announced the termination of all government funding to the Imam Ali Islamic Center in Stockholm’s suburbs and is moving to reclaim approximately 600,000 kronor previously granted to the institution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 12, the agency said the decision followed intelligence provided by the Swedish Security Service (Säpo), which concluded that Iran regime’s intelligence and security apparatus had used the Imam Ali Mosque as a base for espionage and influence operations inside Sweden.
Espionage Under Religious Cover
According to Säpo’s assessment, the Imam Ali Center — the largest Shia religious institution in Sweden and Northern Europe — has served as a platform for Iranian regime intelligence activities, targeting both Swedish interests and members of the Iranian diaspora.
Swedish authorities have previously identified the mosque as part of Tehran’s broader effort to expand its influence in Scandinavia through religious and cultural networks. Säpo has repeatedly warned of Iranian infiltration attempts in Shia institutions across the region.
In February 2025, the Swedish government formally declared that the Imam Ali Center had been used for espionage against Sweden and Iranian exiles, citing security evaluations and intelligence reports.
Sweden’s Minister for Social Affairs, Jakob Forssmed, confirmed the findings on X, writing that based on Säpo’s assessment, the Iranian regime has used the Imam Ali Islamic Center as a platform for espionage and activities threatening national security.
A Turning Point in Oversight of Religious Institutions
The SST’s latest move comes under new legislation that took effect in January 2025, requiring stricter monitoring of the financial transparency and political independence of religious organizations.
The report stated that several Shia organizations in Sweden might be under the influence or control of Iranian regime-linked entities. Following the investigation, the agency also removed the Swedish Shia Islamic Union and the Islamic Association of Sweden from the list of government-supported religious groups, citing violations of democratic and independence principles.
Officials emphasized that the decision to cut funding aligns with Sweden’s broader policy to prevent foreign regimes from exploiting religious freedom for political or intelligence purposes.
Arrest and Expulsion of the Imam Ali Center’s Leader
The controversy surrounding the Imam Ali Center intensified earlier this year after Mohsen Hakimollahi, the center’s director and imam, was arrested and detained. Swedish media, including Expressen, reported that he is expected to be deported for his role in activities linked to Iranian regime intelligence operations.
Sweden’s Broader Strategy Against Foreign Influence
The Swedish government’s decision reflects a growing concern across Europe over Tehran’s covert use of religious, cultural, and diplomatic fronts to monitor dissidents and expand influence.
Officials described the suspension of state aid as part of a comprehensive national security plan to counter “foreign interference” in religious and social institutions.
This marks a significant shift in Sweden’s approach to safeguarding democratic values and protecting freedom of religion from exploitation by authoritarian states.
