Skatteverket director general resigns amid confidentiality breach investigation

The director general of Sweden’s Tax Agency, Katrin Westling Palm, will step down on 18 May amid an ongoing investigation into alleged breaches of confidentiality laws, SVT Nyheter reports.

Westling Palm, who has led the agency for nine years, will transition to a new role focused on “work with AI and Swedish language models,” according to the government. Fredrik Rosengren, currently head of the Swedish Enforcement Authority, will succeed her as director general.

Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson praised Westling Palm’s tenure, highlighting her contributions to inter-agency data sharing and the government’s AI commission. “She has done solid and commendable work,” Svantesson said.

Confidentiality probe linked to public dispute

The investigation involves Westling Palm and two other senior Tax Agency officials, accused of violating secrecy laws. The case stems from a prolonged conflict with businessman Ola Nordquist, formerly Nordic head of private equity firm Permira—a part-owner of fintech company Klarna.

Last November, Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter revealed that prosecutors had launched a preliminary inquiry after the officials publicly defended themselves on the agency’s website against Nordquist’s claims. The Tax Agency has declined to comment on whether the resignation is linked to the investigation, referring questions to the government.

A spokesperson for the agency confirmed that three individuals—identified only under secrecy provisions in court documents—have been assigned public defenders. “There is a gag order in place, so we must refer to the prosecutor,” said press secretary Torbjörn Granrot.

SVT Nyheter has sought comment from the prosecutor handling the case.