Swedish workplace checks lead to three suspected trafficking reports

Inspections at 31 workplaces across Sweden led to three reports of suspected human trafficking after authorities checked 644 people during a coordinated operation against labour exploitation.

Swedish police disclosed the results on Monday, 26 October. The inspections took place in September as part of a European operation led by Sweden, targeting sectors considered at greater risk of exploitation.

The Swedish checks covered agriculture and other land-based industries, construction, manufacturing, nail salons, hotels and restaurants. Authorities worked through Sweden’s seven regional centres against workplace crime, bringing together criminal investigations and enforcement of employment-related rules.

Police described exploitation as a source of serious harm to workers and said undeclared wages and unpaid taxes can also undermine public finances. The three reports concern suspected offences; the announcement gives no total of confirmed victims and does not identify the workplaces.

Nine authorities cooperate against workplace crime, including the police, Work Environment Authority, Tax Agency and Migration Agency. Their joint checks allow suspected offences and breaches of workplace rules to be examined by the responsible agencies.

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