A Stockholm-based lawyer faces money laundering charges for allegedly washing SEK 147.6 million ($14.2 million) through housing association accounts, exposing gaps in Sweden's legal profession oversight that the newly formed Advokatsamfundet supervision unit aims to address. Source: Swedish Bar Association (Advokatsamfundet).
Prosecutor Philip Gunnarsson argues the lawyer failed basic due diligence requirements. "He has not taken sufficient measures to verify the origin of the money," Gunnarsson stated during the second day of proceedings at Stockholm District Court. The lawyer, who operated from Södertälje while living in Stockholm, maintained banking services for two bostadsrättsföreningar over several years, earning approximately SEK 25,000 monthly from the arrangement.
Wiretapped Conversations Reveal Defense Strategy
Ekobrottsmyndigheten, Sweden's economic crimes authority, built their case partly on intercepted phone conversations between the accused lawyer and his wife. These recordings, now central evidence in the prosecution, captured discussions that investigators believe demonstrate awareness of questionable financial flows.
The lawyer maintains his innocence despite the wiretap evidence. His defense strategy appears to focus on challenging the prosecution's interpretation of his due diligence obligations when serving as a financial intermediary for housing associations, a common arrangement in Swedish property management.
New Oversight Reflects Systemic Concerns
This case coincides with Advokatsamfundet's establishment of an independent Supervision Unit in winter 2023-24, designed for proactive oversight of lawyer ethics compliance. The timing suggests Swedish legal authorities recognized existing gaps in professional monitoring before this specific case emerged.
Swedish housing associations, which manage much of the country's cooperative housing stock, often rely on external legal and financial services. The alleged scheme exploited this trust-based system where lawyers frequently handle large sums without intensive oversight. According to Swedish Bar Association guidelines, lawyers cannot engage in or assist with money laundering activities.
The prosecution's focus on due diligence failures rather than active criminal participation suggests a broader regulatory message. Expect Advokatsamfundet to mandate stricter client verification protocols for lawyers handling association finances by year-end.
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