Sweden appoints "anti-cheating general" to prevent coronavirus fraud

The Swedish government is stepping up efforts to prevent companies and individuals from unlawfully taking advantage of crisis measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While most people act responsibly, show solidarity and pitch in to get through the crisis, there are also those who try to take advantage of the measures brought in to help people cope financially during the crisis, by trying to get their hands on public funds, said Minister for Justice and Migration, Morgan Johansson, at a Thursday press conference in Stockholm.

"That is of course completely indecent," said Johansson referring to examples of companies that have or plan to distribute dividends to shareholders while at the same time claiming benefits out of the government's crisis package to cover the cost of short-term furloughs. Swedish Television revealed this earlier in the week.

Some companies have also abused the furlough rules by letting employees come to work anyway or by taking in other workers.

"That kind of crime must be prosecuted," said Johansson, adding that it is important to ensure funds go to those who need them and to make sure it does not end up in the pockets of criminal networks.

The government had previously said speed would be prioritized above perfection when determining the details of the crisis measures put together so far. On Thursday, Johansson admitted that prioritization might lead to certain mistakes when it comes to formulating various measures and regulations.

The new anti-cheating general, Stefan Stromberg, has among other things been tasked with analyzing the risk of criminal action and how to expose, prevent, investigate and prosecute cheats. He will also propose legal and other measures to deal with the situation.