Couple accused of defrauding hotels across northern Sweden

A couple is suspected of staying at hotels across northern Sweden without paying their bills. Yle reports, citing Swedish public broadcaster SVT, that the pair were remanded in custody last week on probable cause of committing 10 hotel frauds.

The couple allegedly ate and drank extensively during their stays. In some cases, they reportedly claimed that one partner had suddenly become ill and been taken away by ambulance.

Suspicion arose in Sundsvall after a hotel owner became concerned and called the police. The couple are also suspected of leaving bills unpaid in Umeå, Luleå, Piteå, Skellefteå, Åsele and Strömsund.

Some bills amounted to several thousand Swedish kronor, while others ran to tens of thousands, according to SVT. Swedish Radio reports that the suspected fraud totals about 200,000 kronor, or around 20,000 euros.

The alleged offences are believed to have taken place from mid-February until late October, when the couple were taken into custody.