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Upplands-Bro investigation finds bias risk in gravel pit case

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Key Points
  • A whistleblower alarm in April 2021 triggered an independent KPMG investigation into bias allegations in Upplands-Bro.
  • The investigation found Andreas Åström's contractor role and social media ties could create a perception of bias in gravel pit decisions.
  • Åström did not participate in the investigation or answer media questions, while former chairman Börje Wredén defended his meeting involvement.

The municipality commissioned auditing firm KPMG to conduct the investigation after the whistleblower alert regarding the Lindormsnäs 1:5 property matter. The probe focused on then-committee chairman Börje Wredén and first vice chairman Andreas Åström. KPMG's investigation determined that Andreas Åström works as a project manager for a contractor company tasked with delivering filling material to the gravel pit on the property for its owner company.

The investigation also noted numerous publicly available social media interactions between Åström and the business operator, dating back to at least 2017. It assessed that several posts could be perceived by outsiders as indicating a friendship relationship. Consequently, the investigation concluded that a third party might view Åström as having such a relationship with the operator that he could be seen as biased in committee decisions about the property.

I do not want to talk to you.

Andreas Åström, First vice chairman of the building and environment committee (M)

Andreas Åström chose not to participate in the investigation and did not answer KPMG's questions. According to SVT Stockholm, Andreas Åström described not wanting to talk to the media. The investigation further showed that former chairman Börje Wredén participated in a meeting between the property owner and the county administrative board.

It stated that his personal involvement could be perceived by a third party as supporting the business operator in an ongoing permit case affecting economic interests. According to SVT Stockholm, Börje Wredén described not seeing anything strange in his participation. The specific allegations that prompted the whistleblower alarm and the exact content of the social media interactions remain unclear.

It is actually Upplands-Bro we are talking about.

Börje Wredén, Former chairman of the committee (L)

It is also unknown whether Åström's non-participation was due to legal advice, personal choice, or other reasons, and the outcome of any municipal actions following the findings has not been disclosed.

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Upplands-Bro investigation finds bias risk in gravel pit case | Reed News