Approximately 52 foreign workers without proper work permits were discovered working on the expansion of Rya kraftvärmeverk, a protected energy facility in Gothenburg's strategically sensitive harbor area, according to reports from Swedish media. The case, which began in January of last year when border police stopped a car with four foreign construction workers, has escalated into a major investigation involving the municipal energy company Göteborg Energi.
Both the harbor area where the combined heat and power plant is located and the building itself are designated as protected facilities. The workers were reportedly employed through subcontractors working on the expansion project and have since been deported with three-year re-entry bans.
astonishing
Mattias Eklöf, section chief at the border police in the West region, expressed concern about the situation, stating it was 'astonishing' given the high level of security protection in society. The case is now being investigated by the National Unit for International and Organized Crime, which is examining multiple violations of immigration law.
Prosecutor Thomas Willén told Expressen that while initial suspicions of human exploitation were investigated, the current focus is on breaches of immigration regulations. 'Generally speaking, it's clear that it doesn't sound good if you have employees at a protected facility who don't have the right to work here in the country,' Willén said.
Generally speaking, it's clear that it doesn't sound good if you have employees at a protected facility who don't have the right to work here in the country,
A recent audit report from Gothenburg municipality has criticized Göteborg Energi for deficiencies in its contract with the main supplier, noting the company lacks sanction options for irregularities like those now under investigation. In response, Göteborg Energi stated it had conducted the checks possible within its authority and would include sanction possibilities for irregularities in future contracts.