Illegal Covert Surveillance at Växjö Forensic Psychiatric Clinic Sparks Police Investigation

In a deeply disturbing revelation, it was uncovered that patients at the forensic psychiatric clinic in Växjö were subjected to illegal covert surveillance over a period spanning from 2015 to 2022. Hidden cameras and microphones were installed in private visitation rooms, capturing intimate moments including sexual encounters, as well as confidential conversations with defense attorneys, family members, and friends.

The scandal emerged following whistleblower reports that triggered crisis meetings within Region Kronoberg's leadership in early October. These meetings lasted four consecutive days and resulted in immediate measures, including the suspension of two long-term employees—one of whom held a managerial role—responsible for security at the clinic. An external investigation, described as "incredibly serious" by Region Director Andreas Liljenrud, was commissioned, ultimately revealing the large-scale operation of unauthorized surveillance that blatantly violated numerous laws designed to protect patient rights and privacy.

The surveillance reportedly ceased in 2022 after being detected internally, but the recordings were stored and potentially shared with other authorities without patients' or families' knowledge, as stated by health director Ewa Ekman. The breach of trust caused outrage and concern over ethical and legal breaches in healthcare settings, especially in a facility that treats some of Sweden's most dangerous mentally ill criminals, including notable cases like Mijailo Mijailović and Theodor Engström.

On December 2, the external investigation concluded and was handed over to the police who have since launched criminal investigations against the suspended employees. The charges include illegal wiretapping, misconduct, and betrayal of trust in connection with the covert recordings. Region Kronoberg has expressed the gravity of the situation with the director stating an inability to explain how such gross violations could occur.

This scandal marks one of the most severe breaches of patient privacy in Swedish forensic healthcare history, prompting ongoing scrutiny into operational practices at the Växjö clinic and raising urgent questions about oversight and safeguarding vulnerable patients' rights.