On Tuesday, at least six police officers from Sweden’s National Operations Department (NOA) raided the VPN service Mullvad’s office in Gothenburg with a search warrant. The aim was to seize computers containing customer data.
However, Mullvad was able to show that they do not store any customer data, in accordance with company policy. Avoiding storing customer data or traffic logs is something that is considered crucial for VPN providers who care about their customers’ privacy.
The company argued that it would be illegal to seize the equipment unless the police had reason to believe that it actually contained the requested data. After demonstrating how the service works and consulting with the prosecutor, the police officers left the office without seizing anything or gaining access to customer information.
During the more than 14 years that Mullvad has been operating as a VPN service, this is the first time its offices have been visited by the police with a search warrant, the company writes on its website.
Background Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN AB is owned by the parent company Amagicom AB and was launched in 2009. The name Amagicom comes from the Sumerian word ama-gi - probably the oldest word for "freedom", or literally "back to the motherland" which has to do with slavery - and the abbreviation com (communication). Amagicom stands for "free communication".
Mullvad VPN AB and its parent company Amagicom AB are 100% owned by founders Fredrik Strömberg and Daniel Berntsson who are actively involved in the company.
