Former Sweden Democrats MP charged with drunk driving and drug offences

The former Sweden Democrats (SD) member of parliament Katja Nyberg has been formally charged with aggravated unlicensed driving, drunk driving, minor drug use, and drug possession, SVT Nyheter reports.

Prosecutor Anders Jakobsson confirmed in a statement that tests showed Nyberg had drugs in her system while driving in December. Police initially suspected impairment after a positive roadside test during the post-Christmas period, also seizing a bag of white powder from her possession.

In January, the Swedish Transport Agency revoked her driver’s licence after forensic analysis confirmed the presence of narcotics in her blood. Following an extended investigation—including multiple interviews with Nyberg and further analysis by the National Forensic Centre—the prosecution has now filed charges.

“We have conducted several interrogations and let the National Forensic Centre analyse tests that, among other things, show she had drugs in her body when driving in December,” said Chief Prosecutor Jakobsson. “It is now up to the court to assess the evidence we present.”

Nyberg has denied most of the allegations. Even if acquitted in criminal court, she could still face disciplinary action as a police officer currently on leave. The Swedish Police Authority handles all internal misconduct cases, which may result in penalties ranging from salary deductions to termination.

“This means that even without criminal conviction, the officer could face warnings, pay cuts, or job loss,” the Authority’s Special Investigations Unit told SVT. Police declined to comment further on Nyberg’s case, citing confidentiality.

SVT has reached out to Nyberg’s public defender for a response.