The crimes are said to have been committed over a period of almost three years, from February 2021 to the end of 2023.
– If you are not detected, you can last as long as you like, says Thomas Forsberg at the National Anti-Corruption Unit
The suspected crime has taken place both in an African country and in Stockholm, according to the arrest warrant. In 2023, the African country received close to one billion kroner in aid from Sweden.
The preliminary investigation began after Sida began an internal investigation and reported the incidents to the police.
Was called to Sweden – arrested in a hotel
The site manager was arrested on Tuesday morning at a hotel in Stockholm. According to the prosecutor, Sida had called him to Sweden so that he would “be able to take part in the labor law decision”.
– He could be arrested quite undramatically, says Thomas Forsberg.
At 16:30 on Friday, the Stockholm district court decided to remand the man. He is also suspected of gross infidelity against the principal.
The suspect’s defense lawyer, Therese Tidesten, says that her client disputes the prosecutor’s suspicions.
– My client denies all accusations.
Suspected of having used “kickbacks”
According to Thomas Forsberg, the suspicions relate to bribery offenses known as kickbacks. Kickbacks are usually a bribe paid as a commission to an official to win a tender. The commission is often negotiated in advance and is determined as a percentage of the contract’s value.
– As the aid involves many, many millions and the kickbacks are percentages, it will be quite a few millions, says Thomas Forsberg.
Javascript must be enabled to play video
“The case is described as unique among insiders,” says Johan Ripås, Africa correspondent. Photo: SVT/Archive
