Suspect Arrested in Poisoning Case at Uppsala's Akademiska Sjukhuset Children's Department

Authorities have arrested a suspect on reasonable suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a series of poisonings involving four employees at the children's emergency department of Akademiska sjukhuset in Uppsala. The arrest was made on Friday, December 5, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation led by prosecutor Emma Häggström.

The incidents began in late October when three employees fell ill over a ten-day period starting around October 27, with a fourth case later linked to the same events. All four victims required treatment in intensive care due to life-threatening symptoms characterized primarily by critically low potassium levels in their blood. Police are investigating a theory that the employees may have been poisoned through their personal water bottles with substances containing extremely high levels of caffeine powder, though this remains unconfirmed by prosecutors.

The suspect is being held under reasonable suspicion, a legal threshold that allows detention amid continuing investigations. Further investigative measures are expected over the weekend before a potential remand application is presented on Monday. Prosecutor Häggström has not disclosed the suspect's connection to the hospital or additional details about the case.

In response, Akademiska sjukhuset has increased security measures, including heightened communication to staff, the presence of security guards, and restricted access to the affected department within the children's hospital. The hospital has also informed its employees about the arrest to enhance awareness and safety.

This development marks a significant step in a probe that has deeply concerned hospital staff and raised public safety issues. Authorities continue their work to fully unravel the circumstances of the poisonings while safeguarding the health and security of hospital personnel.