WikiLeaks data stored in Cold War-era bunker

Image
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Jan 21 2013 | 6:57 AM IST

Just like in a 007 film, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has kept thousands of secret US diplomatic files at a former Swedish Cold War nuclear bunker that houses dozens of powerful computer servers used as storage by many companies.

"With his eccentric personal life and air of mystery, the flamboyant WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange seems to be doing his best to impersonate a James Bond villain," the Daily 'Mail' commented.

The British paper also published pictures of the Pionen data centre, 100 feet below ground in a former Cold War nuclear bunker, where all the WikiLeaks files are being kept.

The bunker was built in the 1970s to protect essential government functions from any nuclear strike.

The vast cave, drilled into granite under the Vita Berg Park in Stockholm, houses dozens of computer servers used as storage by many companies, the report said.

Complete with a 'floating' conference room, suspended glass corridors, lunar landscape flooring and designer furniture, it also has German U-boat engines as back-up generators, the paper said.

39-year-old Assange, an Australian national, was remanded in custody on December 7 in Britain after being refused bail at a London court over claims of sex crimes in Sweden. Assange denies the charge and has said he will fight an extradition request from Sweden.

WikiLeaks has released thousands of classified US government documents, jeopardising Washington's relations with other nations.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 09 2010 | 5:08 PM IST

Next Story