Swedish Customs Gains Power to Seize Assets from Criminals Starting July 1

From July 1, Sweden's customs authority, Tullverket, will be granted new powers to seize property without the immediate presence of Kronofogden, the enforcement authority. This legislative change aims to enhance the fight against organized crime and ensure victims of crimes receive compensation. Previously, customs officers needed police assistance to confiscate assets related to criminal activities, often resulting in frustration when vehicles linked to individuals with significant debts had to be released.

Gürsu Öncü, Tullverket's national coordinator for criminal economy, explained that this new authority will allow customs officials to hold seized property found during operations and promptly notify Kronofogden, enabling a more efficient distance enforcement process. While Tullverket's primary mission remains preventing smuggling, it will now also conduct checks for outstanding debts during vehicle inspections to help recover assets tied to criminal debts.

The change forms part of a broader strategy to tackle organized crime, streamline debt recovery, and support crime victims' rights. Öncü emphasized that Tullverket will not pursue individuals with debts per se but will focus on assets linked to criminal economic activity. This new enforcement capability is shared with the Economic Crime Authority and the Coast Guard, enhancing inter-agency cooperation in asset seizure.