Georgian Men Sentenced for Counterfeit Document Operations in Märsta

In a significant ruling, two Georgian men were sentenced to two years in prison and deportation after operating a counterfeit document factory in Märsta, Sweden. Authorities conducted raids in November 2024, uncovering over 150 fake documents, including residence permits and driving licenses, as well as the equipment used for their production.

The court described the operation as systematic and threatening to public order, indicating it had been in existence for over a year and a half. Evidence collected included videos from one man's phone showcasing satisfied customers thanking them for their forged documents. Despite the men's claims of ignorance regarding the legality of their activities, the court convicted them on charges of serious document forgery.

The Svea Court of Appeal upheld the initial ruling, dismissing a prosecution request for a harsher three-year sentence, reinforcing the defendants' conviction as justified. This case draws attention to concerns surrounding third-country nationals exploiting fake identities to benefit from Sweden's welfare system, a point emphasized by a police officer during the trial.