Four people are being prosecuted for aggravated fraud following a high-profile incident in Malmö. This led to an investigation that covers suspected frauds totalling over one million kronor.
It's a number of serious frauds that have taken place over two years, says prosecutor Henrik Nordquist.
It was on Christmas Eve that a party of 35 people had dinner at Atmosfär restaurant in Malmö for 82,000 kronor. When it was time to pay, they got up from the table and left the restaurant in several taxis, without paying.
Later, the investigation led to suspicions of another 20 cases of serious fraud against business owners. In total, according to the prosecutor, it's about frauds totalling over one million kronor between August 2022 and March 2024.
People who reported the frauds had previously been referred to the Enforcement Authority, and therefore the crimes had never been investigated – until now.
The ball has started rolling, we've found more and more, says prosecutor Henrik Nordquist at a press conference.
I believe the dark figure is large. I think this has been extensive and that we've only scratched the surface.
"Systematic"
The frauds are also said to have taken place in Denmark and Finland, according to the prosecutor. However, he has chosen not to pursue the frauds abroad as it would be too resource-intensive.
In addition to the four people, two women and two men, who are in custody, two other people are subject to prosecution. In those cases, it's about a smaller number of cases of serious fraud, according to Nordquist.
The prosecutor believes that the frauds have been systematic. According to him, the four detained individuals have set up three non-profit associations for show, as a way to get credits and invoices, which he claims they never intended to pay.
I believe these associations were set up with the intention of being used as a tool for crime, says Nordquist to TT.
The suspects, however, deny any wrongdoing.
Sweets and spa visits
The frauds cover a range of different goods and services, according to Henrik Nordquist.
Everything from heaven to earth. From sweets, shoes, and food to trampoline parks, spas, and restaurants, he says.
However, the scope of the suspected crimes varies greatly.
It's burgers for 5,000 kronor at Max up to furniture for six-figure amounts.
The detained individuals are also suspected of benefit fraud, so more prosecutions may be pending. The prosecutor also wants two of the suspects to be deported to Slovakia.
