Jonathan Ravelin Wrongfully Declared Dead by Swedish Tax Agency; Court Denies Compensation

Jonathan Ravelin, a 36-year-old father from Olofström, Sweden, was mistakenly declared dead by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) in November 2023 due to a fraudulent document bearing a fake doctor’s signature submitted by an impersonator. This error caused him to lose access to essential services such as his bank-id, identification, and passport, resulting in severe financial and practical difficulties, including having to borrow money for basic needs during the six weeks it took to restore his rightful status.

In May 2025, Ravelin filed a lawsuit against the state, seeking 20,000 kronor in damages. He claimed that the wrongful declaration violated his rights under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the European Convention on Human Rights. However, despite acknowledging the mistake, the Stockholm District Court ruled in favor of the state, stating that the registration of Ravelin as deceased was considered a correct processing of personal data, even though he was alive, and denied him any compensation.

Ravelin expressed deep disappointment at the court’s decision but stressed that his objective was not financial gain but to push for systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents. He plans to appeal the ruling, emphasizing that “This should not happen to anyone else,” and advocating for changes in how authorities like Skatteverket handle such cases. The case highlights significant flaws in Swedish administrative procedures and raises questions about protections of personal rights in data management.

The wrongful death declaration and its aftermath have brought national attention to the consequences of administrative errors in personal data processing, underscoring the need for improved safeguards to prevent wrongful registrations that can severely disrupt individuals’ lives.