Nord Stream gas pipe explosions were sabotage, say investigators

There were traces of explosives and foreign items found at the site of the gas leak. The Swedish Security Service said that it had found evidence of sabotage on the pipes.

According to the prosecutor who is leading the investigation, there are traces of explosives on some objects.

The preliminary investigation was complex and comprehensive, and will show if anyone can be charged. There were two leaks in Swedish waters and two in Danes.

There were leaks within hours of each other on the two key gas pipes designed to bring Russian gas to Europe.

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The Nord Stream pipes, which run under the Baltic Sea, had at times been a focal point of tensions between Russia and the West. Politicians blamed sabotage without naming a culprit. Russia has denied being involved.

There were reports of large explosions when the leaks began. There are theories that include explosives planted outside the pipes by divers or robotic inspection vehicles.

One estimate claimed that the leaked methane was equivalent to the annual methane emissions from a city as large as Paris.