Norway's National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime has taken action against a private healthcare company. The special prosecutor's office conducted raids at five locations last week.
One person was detained and released the same day. Authorities seized assets worth approximately 100 million Norwegian kroner during the operation.
The former managing director of Specialist Doctor AS, Miriam Angell, faces charges of aggravated fraud involving up to 300 million kroner. Prosecutors suspect the company exploited Norway's healthcare waiting-time guarantee system.
This system allows public hospitals to hire private providers when they cannot treat patients within mandated deadlines. The private healthcare company offered medical services to patients under contracts with several public hospitals.
State Prosecutor Anne Allum described the situation as serious. "Fraud against public healthcare schemes represents a fundamental breach of trust toward the state, healthcare professionals, and the care industry," she said in a statement.
The investigation centers on whether criminal acts occurred within the company and whether public systems were manipulated. Norwegian welfare services aim to ensure equal access to benefits for all citizens.
Allum emphasized the broader impact of such crimes. "Welfare crime affects both the public sector, private businesses, and individuals. It threatens trust in authorities and carries both direct and indirect economic consequences," she explained.
Angell's lawyer, Caterina Håland Gaeta, responded to the allegations. "Given how this case has been presented by Health North and media, we look forward to the matter being clarified," she said. "My client has answered all questions posed and will continue to contribute to presenting an accurate picture."
She described the charges as a procedural step that provides rights during the investigation. The case was originally reported to authorities by Nordland Hospital and University Hospital of North Norway.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between Norway's public healthcare system and private providers. The investigation continues to examine potential exploitation of the country's welfare model, which relies heavily on tax revenue.
Prosecutors have requested that any healthcare providers or patients with relevant information come forward.