People with links to organized crime have tried to influence Swedish municipalities and what decisions are made there. It has occurred in almost 20 different municipalities, Ekot’s survey shows.
One of the municipalities that is exposed to various forms of pressure is the city of Borås, where Peder Englund is head of security.
– Yes, as one should look at how this works against permissible influence and self-censorship, I am convinced that there are officials in the city of Borås and other authorities who for fear of organized crime do not make the decisions to be made, says Peder Englund.
18 Swedish municipalities states for Ekot that people with links to organized crime threaten and expose municipal employees to pressure. These include Gothenburg, Södertälje, Eskilstuna, Jönköping, Borås and Lilla Edet.
It may be that the individuals allude to their belonging to a criminal network, and through fear try to influence the decisions that officials in the municipalities must make.
– Often to either a family, relatives, clan or a criminal network and by suggesting such, one assumes that one should change decisions and not implement the measures that the exercise of authority requires, says security chief Peder Englund.
Eight Swedish municipalities also states for Ekot that there are threats or attempts to influence individuals with links to violent extremist movements.
One municipality cites the Nazi organization Nordic Resistance Movement as an example. But it can also be about sympathizers such as the Islamic State.
Ekot’s survey, which has been sent out to the municipalities’ security chiefs, thus also shows that most municipalities do not see the influence of such groups.
Neither the Swedish Crime Prevention Council’s authority, nor the employers’ organization Sweden’s municipalities and regions, have previously investigated threats and impacts against municipal employees in particular. The focus has instead been on elected representatives.
But the criminologist Amir Rostami is not surprised by the threats and attempts at influence that employees are actually exposed to.
– Organized crime and even extremism have a very clear presence in certain areas. So it would be strange if they did not try to influence local officials in the municipality. It can be anything from a building permit to influencing the social services, says Amir Rostami.