Danish ministry orders new investigation into social services scandal in Nyborg Municipality
The Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health has overturned a decision by the national appeals board, Ankestyrelsen, ordering a full reinvestigation into widespread legal violations in Nyborg Municipality’s social services department, DR reports.
The case, involving hundreds of child welfare cases marred by procedural breaches and staff misconduct, was closed by Ankestyrelsen six months ago. The ministry has now ruled that the board’s initial assessment was based on “insufficient information” and failed to adequately clarify whether the municipality had ceased its unlawful practices.
“The ministry finds that Ankestyrelsen’s supervision did not sufficiently examine how the municipality acted unlawfully or how it intends to rectify these failures,” the ministry stated in a 16-page letter obtained by DR.
The reinvestigation will also determine whether Nyborg Municipality must reopen cases previously deemed final.
Scandal exposed in 2023 report
The controversy began in December 2023 when an external audit by consulting firm BDO revealed systemic failures in Nyborg’s social services, including:
- Legal violations in hundreds of child welfare cases
- Missed deadlines and procedural errors
- Lack of professional competence among staff
- “Corruption” among a group of employees
In October 2025, Ankestyrelsen initially declined to pursue a formal supervision case, citing “positive developments” in the municipality’s handling of cases—a conclusion the ministry has now rejected as inadequate.
Political reactions
Michael Gertsen (K), Nyborg’s second deputy mayor, called the ministry’s intervention “reassuring,” stating it could help sharpen municipal oversight. Social affairs spokesperson Katrine Daugaard (LA) described the move as “highly unusual” but necessary, given the board’s apparent failure to conduct a thorough review.
Ankestyrelsen confirmed it would reopen the case for further examination but declined interview requests.