The investigation, led by prosecutor Nina Bengtsson, shows that Zelmerlöw did not inform the Swedish Social Insurance Agency that his children were living abroad, despite a legal obligation to do so. As a result, child benefits and a large family supplement were incorrectly paid out. According to the prosecution, Zelmerlöw received a total of 10,600 SEK on three occasions between August and September last year.
Zelmerlöw denies the crime. His lawyer, Hanna Lindblom, stated that he lacked both motive and intent to defraud the state. According to Lindblom, Zelmerlöw missed notifying the agency during a turbulent and chaotic period when his children moved to England, and he repaid the money as soon as he became aware of the debt. According to Göteborgs-Posten, Zelmerlöw described the situation as a custody dispute and said he was barely aware of receiving the money. The trial date has not yet been set.