Sweden election workers linked to extremism and crime

An investigation by news agency Siren into over 15,000 election workers in Sweden has identified 45 individuals with ties to extremism, organized crime, or violent criminal networks.

The findings include 30 individuals linked to right-wing extremism, involving past memberships in the Nationaldemokraterna or associations with the Nordic Resistance Movement. Additionally, nine workers were identified as having connections to organized crime, including five with ties to criminal motorcycle clubs such as the Hells Angels and Red Devils MC.

Security services have also flagged connections to violent Islamism. One woman, described by Säpo as an “actor of interest within the violent Islamist environment,” worked as a poll worker in the Stockholm area. The investigation also uncovered several workers with criminal records, including convictions for sexual offenses against children, child pornography, and violent assault.