Police raid welfare fraud network suspecting serious financial crimes and extremist links

Police in Sweden raided ten companies operating residential care homes and foster care services on Monday, uncovering suspected large-scale financial crimes and potential ties to violent extremism, Sveriges Television (SVT) reports.

The operation, conducted in coordination with the Tax Agency, the Pensions Agency, and the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (Ivo), targeted alleged welfare fraud—often linked to organized crime. Authorities examined 51 board members and roughly 200 associated individuals, identifying multiple cases of suspected benefit fraud, false residency registrations, and a pension scam. Two companies now face revocation of their operating licenses.

“Removing unfit operators from care services for vulnerable children and youth is critical,” said police operation leader Per Ottosson in a statement. He emphasized that administrative measures—such as halting payments and revoking permits—act faster than criminal investigations, directly cutting off financial incentives for fraud.

The raids also flagged three individuals with possible connections to violent extremism.