Swedish Police Authority Faces Security Crisis as Background Checks Halted, Increasing Risk of Criminal Infiltration

Extensive leaks within the Swedish Police Authority have unveiled a serious security breach, highlighting the unchecked infiltration risks by criminal networks and foreign powers. Reports from last year revealed secret information was being leaked to gang criminals, and that criminals managed to infiltrate police education programs. In response, Rikspolischef Petra Lundh sought to enhance background checks on all police applicants.

However, the process of background checks was abruptly halted by the end of March 2025 after concerns arose regarding the legality of these measures. An internal police email admitted to “great uncertainty regarding which checks can be made concerning personnel security.” Since then, security officials have been effectively “completely bound” and unable to further investigate over a hundred identified cases of police recruits, civilian employees, and police students deemed potential security risks.

The halt has caused deep concerns within the police force. Robert Falk, a security officer in police region West, warns that the suspension of security assessments allows criminals an unimpeded path into police ranks. This development threatens public safety and the integrity of the entire force. The security division has formally communicated the severity of the situation to Petra Lundh, pressing for urgent action and legislative review.

Meanwhile, Katharina von Sydow, a representative of the Police Union, has called the ongoing situation “unacceptable,” stressing that more than seven months have passed without a solution. She highlights that the lack of clear legal frameworks complicates the vetting process and leaves police colleagues uncertain about loyalty and trustworthiness. Von Sydow advocates for the authority to work closely with the Justice Department to address and amend legislation governing security investigations to restore confidence and operational security within the police.

The Swedish Police Authority is currently reviewing the issue, considering legislative changes to resolve this critical gap. The prolonged suspension of background checks and the resulting vulnerabilities present a stark challenge to national security and public trust just as Sweden confronts sophisticated criminal networks and foreign interference.