Denmark to screen port workers for criminal ties

Denmark’s justice minister plans to introduce background checks for port employees to block criminal infiltration, according to a report by Jyllands-Posten cited by DR.

Nicolai Wammen (S) said the measure aims to make it “harder for criminals to gain employment in relevant roles,” following years of reports linking port workers in Aarhus to the Hells Angels motorcycle club.

Investigations by Berlingske, Finans, and TV 2 have documented ties between staff at APM Terminals—a Maersk subsidiary—and the gang, with the company stating it cannot dismiss workers under current law based solely on associations.

APM Terminals has called for expanded background checks, citing widespread drug smuggling in the industry. Maersk welcomed the political push, telling Jyllands-Posten it views the focus as “positive.”

Wammen expects to present the screening scheme before the summer break.