This report maps the existing knowledge about unlawful influence by organised crime in the justice sector in the Nordic countries, as well as the preventive measures implemented. The report is based on previous research and official reports on unlawful influence, supplemented by crime statistics and media coverage, as well as government proposals and official documents. The lack of systematic data and research on the topic (with Sweden as the exception) makes it difficult to determine how widespread the phenomenon is.
In Sweden, official reports and research have documented a variety of unlawful influence by organised crime within the justice sector. In the other Nordic countries, there are isolated examples of unlawful influence in the justice sector. Looking at offences against public officials, the reported level has increased somewhat in all Nordic countries except Sweden during the last decade. The issue of nonreporting is however estimated to be significant.
Unlawful influence and corruption are described to be increasingly important modes of operation for organised crime in Europe. Even if this development is not equally visible in all Nordic countries, it is likely present. As often highlighted, organised crime employs sophisticated and subtle methods that are difficult to detect.
Prevention measures implemented in the Nordic countries are both proactive and reactive. The proactive measures aim to increase resilience to unlawful influence, by raising awareness and strengthening operational practices in organisations. The reactive measures are also to a large degree concentrated in organisations, such as protocols for internal handling and support when unlawful influence has occurred. Formal responses, including reporting influence attempts to the police and the subsequent criminal process and punishment are also central reactive measures.
Better protection for public officials and harsher punishments for crimes targeting them have been implemented or discussed in several Nordic countries in recent years. This legislation increasingly identifies certain professional groups (police, prison and probation staff, customs officers, and rescue and ambulance personnel) as particularly important, while considering organised crime as an aggravating factor.
The Swedish focus on raising awareness and building organisational robustness to address the problem is a good example of prevention. Efforts to combat unlawful influence could further be strengthened by linking them more closely with anti-corruption initiatives. At the same time, prevention measures must be carefully considered to balance personal integrity with the public interest, so as not to undermine the openness and trust that are hallmarks of Nordic society.
Unlawful influence on authorities in the justice system poses a critical threat to the functioning of the rule of law and democracy, especially if such activities expand. In a time when organised crime is increasingly entrenched in societal structures, it is likely that questions of unlawful influence will become more pressing. A clear and articulated way of handling these is therefore important.