Swedish Police Seize 30 Million SEK in Crime Proceeds and Launch Major Labor Law Enforcement Operation at Stegra
Swedish police seize 30 million SEK in crime proceeds and conduct a major police operation against labor law violations at the Stegra steel plant construction site.
- • Police confiscated nearly 30 million kronor in crime proceeds and closed over 400 bank accounts in operations against organized crime.
- • The financial intelligence center, established in April, coordinates efforts with multiple agencies including the Financial Crime Authority and Tax Agency.
- • A major police and agency-led inspection is underway at Stegra in Boden, focusing on labor law compliance among subcontractors.
- • Concerns include unpaid wages and poor conditions for foreign workers, some of whom plan a hunger strike due to delayed salaries.
Key details
The Swedish police have recently escalated their efforts against organized crime and labor violations through coordinated operations in multiple regions. As part of three law enforcement actions targeting illegal activities, authorities have confiscated nearly 30 million kronor in crime proceeds and closed over 400 bank accounts linked to criminal enterprises. These seizures, conducted in collaboration with the Financial Crime Authority, the Tax Agency, and financial institutions, are facilitated by a financial intelligence center established in April, aiming to disrupt organized crime’s financial networks.
Simultaneously, a large-scale police operation is underway at Stegra in Boden involving around 60 officers, including the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Tax Agency. This joint workplace inspection targets labor crime and non-compliance with labor laws among subcontractors constructing Europe’s first new steel plant in 50 years. The site employs a significant number of foreign workers, who reportedly face poor working conditions and unpaid wages—some Turkish workers have waited nine months for their salaries and are planning a hunger strike.
According to Police spokesperson Maria Fredriksson, the operation focuses on uncovering violations of immigration laws, illegal labor practices, and ensuring adherence to Swedish collective agreements. Stegra’s management states they require all subcontractors to follow these agreements to guarantee fair wages and safe work environments. The steel plant, originally named H2 Green Steel and backed by billionaire Harald Mix, aims for production later in 2026 or early 2027 with a focus on green hydrogen steelmaking.
These dual efforts highlight Sweden’s multifaceted approach to combating organized crime and labor exploitation through financial crackdowns and rigorous workplace inspections.