The figures can be compared to 14 billion kronor, which the Enforcement Authority collected in total last year.
These funds are what we call "hot money" since they are used in organized crime as a kind of tool and also as start-up capital for future crimes, says Johannes Paulson, national coordinator against crime at the Enforcement Authority, referring to the funds that are seized remotely.
Seizure via phone
The legislative change that enables the police to assist the Enforcement Authority in seizing remotely came into effect in August 2022 – something that can happen, for example, when the police stop a criminal on the street.
Then they call us at the Enforcement Authority, and then we can seize over the phone.
According to Paulson, the system has exceeded the Enforcement Authority's expectations by far. Before the legislative change, the authority collected around 7 million remotely, when the conditions for it were very limited.
Paying damages
The advantage is that much of this goes towards paying off the debts that criminals owe to their victims, damages that are with us.
Paulson says that it is often expensive cars that are seized remotely – over 90 percent. In addition, expensive brand watches and cash are often found during seizures in collaboration with the police.
Last year, the government appointed an inquiry to investigate whether other law enforcement agencies, including the Customs Service, the Coast Guard, and the Economic Crime Authority, should be given the opportunity to assist in remote seizures. According to Paulson, the inquiry is expected to be completed next year.
