Norwegian prosecutors have charged a man known as 'Onkel Skrue' with coercion and threats over a three million kroner money claim that included targeting a secondary school child with a threatening SMS. The Oslo state attorney's office has formally accused Imran Saber, 48, and a 32-year-old accomplice of pursuing, visiting, and sending threatening messages to individuals linked to a disputed financial demand. According to the indictment, the backdrop involves a claim Saber believed he had against a now-deceased person, leading to alleged pressure on family members through reckless threats and property damage.
The Allegations and Coercive Tactics
The charges detail a campaign of intimidation aimed at forcing multiple family members to pay approximately three million kroner. Prosecutors assert that Saber sent a series of threatening messages, including one to a child of secondary school age that read, 'I will hunt you and get my money back.' Beyond digital threats, the indictment cites physical vandalism, with windows smashed on properties in Oslo and Vestfold on several occasions. Tagging was also reported on house walls, garage doors, and cars, featuring accusatory texts. In a separate but related claim, Saber is accused of attempting to pressure an Oslo man into paying 200,000 kroner after a rental agreement, involving messages, images, and videos sent to the man and his family members.
Escalation to Public Shaming
The coercion allegedly escalated to public shaming tactics, with Saber charged for hanging posters in locations connected to the aggrieved man. These posters bore the text 'Wanted – reward for information' and contained accusations of human trafficking and pimping, along with the man's name, photograph, and phone number. They were reportedly put up near the residential complex where the man owns an apartment, just days after Saber was issued a visitation ban against him. Defense lawyer Ketil Magnus Berg has previously stated that Saber admitted guilt for nuisance behavior related to putting up these posters, but he denies the broader coercion charges.
Background of the Accused 'Onkel Skrue'
Imran Saber has been a known figure in criminal circles on Norway's eastern coast for years, earning the nickname 'Onkel Skrue'—Uncle Scrooge—for his alleged obsession with money. He has multiple previous convictions, though the source material does not specify details. His notoriety in these milieus underscores the persistent challenges Norwegian authorities face with organized crime figures who employ intimidation for financial gain. The current charges paint a picture of a methodical approach to coercion, blending digital threats with physical vandalism and public harassment.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Response
Saber's defense has firmly rejected the charges. In a statement, his lawyer, Ketil Magnus Berg, said, 'My client denies criminal guilt. He has been clear in interrogations and court meetings that the accusations against him are not correct, and he has requested a long series of investigative steps that have enlightened the case. Therefore, this indictment is quite surprising.' During a custody hearing in Oslo District Court this summer, Saber himself exclaimed, 'Much of this is just nonsense. Humbug!' The legal process will now move forward, with prosecutors relying on evidence from messages, vandalism reports, and witness statements to prove the coercion and threats.
Impact on Victims and Community Safety
The case highlights the severe personal toll on victims, particularly the family members who received threats and suffered property damage. Targeting a child adds a layer of severity, raising concerns about the safety of minors in such disputes. The vandalism in Oslo and Vestfold, including shattered windows and graffiti, not only caused material loss but also instilled fear in residential communities. The public posters with false accusations could lead to reputational harm and social ostracization, compounding the psychological impact on those involved.