Sweden proposes offence for using trafficking-linked services

Sweden’s government wants to make it a crime to knowingly use services performed by someone as a result of trafficking or human exploitation. Its bill would target demand for those services, alongside measures to improve support for victims.

The government’s proposal, announced on 24 September, would introduce an offence called olaga nyttjande av tjänst. The government says reducing demand could make trafficking and exploitation less profitable.

The bill proposes a maximum prison sentence of four years. Attempting the offence would also be punishable.

The Swedish Gender Equality Agency would become the national contact point for referring trafficking victims across borders within the EU. The package includes rules governing personal-data processing and confidentiality for that work.

The changes would implement amendments to the EU’s anti-trafficking directive. The proposed starting date is 1 January 2027, subject to the Swedish Parliament’s approval. This is a legislative proposal, not a new offence already in force.

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