Stockholm police have conducted a major operation against sex purchases, resulting in over 120 men being suspected of exploiting women for payment in 275 separate cases. The police operation, led by officer Simon Häggström, involved multiple house searches across Stockholm County from March 16 to 19, 2026.
According to police reports, the suspected perpetrators come from diverse professional backgrounds, ranging from doctors and tattoo artists to bank employees and postal workers. Social workers participated in the operation alongside police, with the mission of motivating the suspected men to break their destructive behaviors.
Breaking the sex purchase law in Stockholm is not risk-free. By exploiting women who are in prostitution, organized crime is benefited
"Breaking the sex purchase law in Stockholm is not risk-free. By exploiting women who are in prostitution, organized crime is benefited," said police officer Simon Häggström, who led the operation. Police noted that a majority of the women encountered during the operation were in the hands of human traffickers who take advantage of their vulnerability.
The operation represents one of the largest coordinated efforts against sex purchases in Stockholm in recent years, with police emphasizing the connection between sex purchases and organized criminal networks.