Spring Note Scandal - Four Charged with Million-Kronor Fraud

Four people are being prosecuted for aggravated fraud following a notorious invoice scam in Malmö. It sparked an investigation that covers suspected frauds totalling over one million kronor. There are a number of serious frauds that have taken place over a two-year period, says prosecutor Henrik Nordquist.

» Updated:

» Published:

Spring Note Scandal - Four Charged with Million-Kronor Fraud
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Share this article

Four people are being prosecuted for aggravated fraud following a high-profile incident in Malmö. This led to an investigation that covers suspected frauds totalling over one million kronor.

It's a number of serious frauds that have taken place over two years, says prosecutor Henrik Nordquist.

It was on Christmas Eve that a party of 35 people had dinner at Atmosfär restaurant in Malmö for 82,000 kronor. When it was time to pay, they got up from the table and left the restaurant in several taxis, without paying.

Later, the investigation led to suspicions of another 20 cases of serious fraud against business owners. In total, according to the prosecutor, it's about frauds totalling over one million kronor between August 2022 and March 2024.

People who reported the frauds had previously been referred to the Enforcement Authority, and therefore the crimes had never been investigated – until now.

The ball has started rolling, we've found more and more, says prosecutor Henrik Nordquist at a press conference.

I believe the dark figure is large. I think this has been extensive and that we've only scratched the surface.

"Systematic"

The frauds are also said to have taken place in Denmark and Finland, according to the prosecutor. However, he has chosen not to pursue the frauds abroad as it would be too resource-intensive.

In addition to the four people, two women and two men, who are in custody, two other people are subject to prosecution. In those cases, it's about a smaller number of cases of serious fraud, according to Nordquist.

The prosecutor believes that the frauds have been systematic. According to him, the four detained individuals have set up three non-profit associations for show, as a way to get credits and invoices, which he claims they never intended to pay.

I believe these associations were set up with the intention of being used as a tool for crime, says Nordquist to TT.

The suspects, however, deny any wrongdoing.

Sweets and spa visits

The frauds cover a range of different goods and services, according to Henrik Nordquist.

Everything from heaven to earth. From sweets, shoes, and food to trampoline parks, spas, and restaurants, he says.

However, the scope of the suspected crimes varies greatly.

It's burgers for 5,000 kronor at Max up to furniture for six-figure amounts.

The detained individuals are also suspected of benefit fraud, so more prosecutions may be pending. The prosecutor also wants two of the suspects to be deported to Slovakia.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Parachutist Critically Injured After Landing on Västerås Golf Course

Parachutist Critically Injured After Landing on Västerås Golf Course

Suspected Contract Killer's Extradition from Iraq to Sweden Sought

Suspected Contract Killer's Extradition from Iraq to Sweden Sought

Sweden Allocates 550 Million Kronor for Environmental Measures

Sweden Allocates 550 Million Kronor for Environmental Measures

Government Ends Current Student Support System

Government Ends Current Student Support System

Left Party Summons Ebba Busch to Discuss Kiruna Relocation Support

Left Party Summons Ebba Busch to Discuss Kiruna Relocation Support

Court of Appeal Reduces Sentence for Young Man in Helsingborg Murder Case

Court of Appeal Reduces Sentence for Young Man in Helsingborg Murder Case

Sweden to Establish Suicide Investigation Commission in 2026

Sweden to Establish Suicide Investigation Commission in 2026

First Extradition from Dubai to Sweden Under New Agreement

First Extradition from Dubai to Sweden Under New Agreement

Heavy Rainfall to Impact All of Sweden This Weekend

Heavy Rainfall to Impact All of Sweden This Weekend

Two Seriously Injured in E4 Bus Accident Near Linköping

Two Seriously Injured in E4 Bus Accident Near Linköping

Sweden Democrats Leader Lindberg Addresses Stegrud Filming Controversy

Sweden Democrats Leader Lindberg Addresses Stegrud Filming Controversy

92-year-old man detained for suspected murder in Staffanstorp

92-year-old man detained for suspected murder in Staffanstorp

Kiruna's Strength Endures Amid Housing Challenges, Says Councilor

Kiruna's Strength Endures Amid Housing Challenges, Says Councilor

Kebnekaise South Peak Shrinks 1.5 Meters This Year

Kebnekaise South Peak Shrinks 1.5 Meters This Year

Teachers to Get More Planning Time Amid Criticism of New Plan

Teachers to Get More Planning Time Amid Criticism of New Plan

14 Drownings Reported in August, Highest Summer Toll Since 2018

14 Drownings Reported in August, Highest Summer Toll Since 2018

Floods in Örnsköldsvik: Driver Simon Hellström Faces Unprecedented Damage

Floods in Örnsköldsvik: Driver Simon Hellström Faces Unprecedented Damage

Police Initiate National Crackdown on Online Phishing Scams

Police Initiate National Crackdown on Online Phishing Scams

Storm Hits Stockholm: Thousands Face Power Outages

Storm Hits Stockholm: Thousands Face Power Outages

Social Media's Impact on Youth: Uncensored Violent Content Concerns

Social Media's Impact on Youth: Uncensored Violent Content Concerns