Former Sweden Democrats MP Katja Nyberg formally suspected of aggravated unlicensed driving

The former Sweden Democrats (SD) MP Katja Nyberg has been formally notified of suspicion for aggravated unlicensed driving, Swedish public broadcaster SVT reports. The case, which has dragged on for months, has prompted a district court to question the next steps in the investigation.

Prosecutor Anders Jakobsson confirmed to SVT that Nyberg had been informed of the suspicion. “She has been notified. The suspicion is for unlicensed driving, classified as aggravated because her license was revoked,” he said.

The case stems from incidents during the post-Christmas period when police suspected Nyberg of driving under the influence. A rapid drug test at the time indicated impairment, and officers seized a bag of white powder. In January, the Swedish Transport Agency revoked her license after lab results allegedly confirmed the presence of narcotics in her system. Media reports later showed Nyberg continued driving despite the revocation.

Nyberg, a former police officer, left the SD parliamentary group following the allegations but has denied taking cocaine or driving while impaired.

Court seeks clarity as investigation lingers

Prosecutors have yet to decide how to proceed with the initial drunk-driving suspicion. The prolonged process led Nacka District Court to request an update, asking whether the preliminary investigation was ongoing, closed, or if “something else had occurred” without their knowledge.

Jakobsson told the court the investigation remains active, with a final decision expected by early May 2026. He told SVT reporters would receive an update “in about a week,” indicating he would either drop the remaining charges or file an indictment.

The two cases—the aggravated unlicensed driving and the original impairment suspicion—will be handled together, Jakobsson said. If the latter is dropped, authorities may issue a summary penalty order (a fine without trial) for the unlicensed driving, though he stressed no decision had been made.

Nyberg’s lawyer, Martin Orler, declined to comment on the unlicensed driving allegation, stating any response would be given “during interrogations, not through media investigations.”