A joint investigation by the police and the Swedish Social Insurance Fund (Försäkringskassan) has revealed a troubling infiltration of organized crime into Sweden's personal assistance sector. The investigation highlights a disturbing trend where criminal networks are using personal assistance companies as a cover for their illicit activities, particularly in drug trafficking.
The report from Försäkringskassan indicates that all major private assistance companies in Sweden have employees linked to organized crime. It states, "Criminals and their relatives are active on a large scale as personal assistants or managers in assistance companies, through which they channel their criminal activities, especially in the trade of drugs." This alarming finding stems from a comprehensive analysis of data concerning approximately 62,000 individuals who received assistance from the fund.
Out of these, around 14,000 are directly involved in criminal networks, while an additional 47,000 maintain direct contact with them. This suggests that a significant portion of those identified as "involved people" are actively participating in criminal activities. The data further reveals that four out of every ten beneficiaries are in contact with personal assistants who have either a direct or indirect connection to organized crime.
Each of the 62 major assistance companies examined during 2022-2023 had an average of 22 employees connected to these criminal activities. The Social Insurance Fund has pointed out that this group demonstrates "abuse of the insurance systems that exceeds the normal limits," raising serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the assistance system.
Moreover, the infiltration of organized crime into this sector not only compromises the safety of beneficiaries but also exposes vulnerable individuals, including children, to potential exploitation as tools in criminal enterprises. The report underscores that personal assistance officers are manipulating their positions to defraud the social support system, creating unfair competition within the labor market.
In response to these findings, the Swedish government announced on April 22, 2025, the establishment of a special investigation committee tasked with proposing new measures to combat the exploitation of personal assistance benefits by organized crime networks. Minister of Social Affairs, Camilla Waltersson Grönvall, expressed grave concerns about the current state of the assistance system, stating, "It is no longer as safe as it should be, as it has become infiltrated and exploited by organized crime." She emphasized that while the government recognizes the support of people with disabilities as a fundamental right, it is equally committed to eradicating fraud and abuse within the system.
The newly appointed committee will explore the implementation of a supervisory system for personal assistance benefits, aiming to ensure that the services provided are legitimate and effective. Additionally, the committee will assess whether assistance services offered by family members of beneficiaries require regulation to prevent further exploitation.
As the investigation unfolds, solutions will also be sought to guarantee that the hours authorized for personal assistance are genuinely fulfilled. The government's proactive approach aims to restore integrity and trust in a system that is crucial for many individuals with disabilities.
This situation raises significant questions about the effectiveness of oversight in the personal assistance sector and how to safeguard the rights of those who depend on these services. The findings of this investigation serve as a wake-up call for both policymakers and the public, highlighting the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable populations from the encroachment of organized crime.
In summary, the infiltration of organized crime into Sweden's personal assistance sector poses a serious threat to the integrity of social support systems. As the government takes steps to address this issue, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
