Sweden is consistently ranked one of the least corrupt countries in the world, but htat is not to say that it is without the occasional corruption scandals. The last couple of days have revealed corruption at the National Property Board of Sweden and a scandal concerning suspected bribery in the form of hunting trips arranged by the forest industry company Holmen.
The latter involves prominent figures such as Nordea's chairman Björn Walhroos, Lars G. Josefsson during his time as CEO of the staterun energy company Vattenfall, and the former governor of Östergötland.
Today, Dagens Nyheter reported that Sweden's former Minister for Finance Anders Borg is suspected of bribery on account of Holmen's hunting trips.
According Dagens Nyheter, the degree of suspicion is low, however. Mitigating factors include that Borg - in contrast with other participants - paid a minor sum to participate in the hunt, and that he did not stay the night, thereby effectively decreasing the value of the event. Furthermore, the hunt happened after Borg's term as minister which means it may not be conflicting with his official position.
Chief Prosecutor Gunnar Stetler at the National Anti-Corruption Unit told Dagens Nyheter that unless there is reason to believe that an individual is aware that the sum paid was less than the value of the service received there is no reason to take the case to court.
Anders Borg's lawyer says that Borg's account complies with all regulations, and Borg himself sent a text to Dagens Industri stating his conviction that his participation in the hunts was entirely properly handled.
Nike KD 11