Swedish Government to Enhance Employee Background Checks Amid Organized Crime Concerns

The Swedish government has launched a review of its employee background check regulations, driven by recent revelations of organized crime infiltrating workplaces. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer announced that the investigation will assess the legality of conducting background checks on criminal and debt registries, as well as through open sources like social media, particularly in both private and public sectors. This decision comes in light of a serious incident involving an employee of the security firm Securitas who was linked to the criminal network Foxtrot, prompting increased scrutiny of safety protocols in employment practices.

The government is also considering making background checks mandatory for jobs in sensitive areas like care services, where employees could directly impact vulnerable populations. As Strömmer noted, organized crime poses a significant threat to decision-making integrity in workplaces across Sweden. A legislative proposal aimed at expanding background checks within municipal employment is anticipated by November 2023, while the broader review is set to conclude by March 11, 2027.