Of nearly 700 reviewed private assistance companies, approximately every eighth, 83 companies, are estimated to have a particularly close connection to gang criminality. This is shown in a report from the National Intelligence Centre, where several authorities collaborate against criminal networks and individuals, on Tuesday.
The report partially confirms earlier reports, but with better documentation, says Amir Rostami, professor of criminology at Södertörn University.
Organized crime is not only involved in traditional crime areas such as narcotics, but also systematically exploits the welfare system.
"Is systematic"
He notes that the assistance sector has been exposed for a long time. Some of the first major cases concerned Södertälje.
But I think an assumption among many has been that it was isolated incidents, that it was unique to Södertälje. But what this report shows is that it is more systematic and also linked to network criminality.
The abuse creates both economic profit for the criminal groups and risks affecting trust in the welfare system.
If we don't have better protection, it can ultimately lead to a questioning of the entire system with assistants.
Finds loopholes
But likely, it's not just assistance that's exposed. Companies are generally a grateful tool for crime.
Actually, it doesn't matter what industry or sector it is, but you find loopholes, learn from each other, and exploit as much as possible, says Amir Rostami.
Those who need personal assistance are often seen as some of society's most vulnerable. That's why the industry must be able to be strictly scrutinized, he believes.
They must be specially protected. Here, you need to have accurate controls, that is, that it hits the companies that are in this grey zone.
Rostami thinks it's positive that the authorities have started and are coordinating registers.
It's an important step in mapping the extent and patterns behind the abuse of the welfare system.
