Title: Swedes Estimate Tax Evasion Costs at 3.8-5.5% of GDP: An Overview of Economic Crime and Countermeasures in Sweden

Economic Crime in Sweden: Definition and Consequences

Swedish criminal justice officials define economic crime as acts committed for gain within the framework of a legal trade, including tax fraud and other means to deceive the government. These criminal acts affect various victims, such as:

Business owners
Employees
Competitors
The public
The state

Economic crimes, like tax evasion, pose a significant burden on law-abiding taxpayers as they subsidize the losses resulting from fraudulent activities. Consequently, the state and societal welfare absorb substantial public costs.

Extent of Tax Evasion in Sweden

Sweden estimates that tax evasion is responsible for the non-reporting of approximately 5% of the total taxable income. This equates to:

3.8-5.5% of Sweden’s gross domestic product (GDP)
A substantial portion of the Swedish market economy avoiding taxation

Fighting Economic Crime in Sweden

Historical Background

Swedish legislation against organized crime and economic offenses dates back to the 1960s:

Swedish Penal Code (1962)
Swedish Criminal Procedure Code (1962)
Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (2017)

Ongoing Efforts

In response to the escalating threat of economic crime, Sweden established the National Council for Criminal Justice:

Focuses on the most significant challenges and areas for improvement in the prevention of economic crime
Collaborative effort between lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and the business community

Conclusion

By addressing the root causes of economic crime, raising awareness surrounding the detrimental consequences, and implementing effective countermeasures, Swedish authorities are safeguarding their businesses and fostering a fair and transparent economy for all.

Appendix 1

Listing of Swedish legislation against organized crime and economic offenses

Swedish Penal Code (1962)
Swedish Criminal Procedure Code (1962)
Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (2017)

Appendix 2

Reports, memoranda, and communications of Sweden’s commission against economic crime

Appendix 3

Bibliographic listings on economic crime and tax evasion in Sweden