Police in the Stockholm region have noticed that during the summer months, sick leave statistics have increased significantly, which has prompted authorities to investigate the causes of this phenomenon.
During the investigation, a specific case was discovered where a police investigator had been reported sick for three consecutive years, right after the end of her annual vacation, reports Swedish media.
According to the investigation materials, in all three cases, the investigator had been on vacation in the Balkans (Prizren). She had applied for leave on the respective dates, but her request was not approved. However, on the same dates, she had reported being sick.
In her statement to the police, she denied the fraud allegations, emphasizing that she had mental health problems related to returning to work.
"I find it unfortunate, because I have a very high work ethic. Throughout the year I almost never take sick leave," she stated, adding that according to her, she had the right to be sick regardless of location.
"Everyone has the right to be sick, wherever they are. If I'm sick, then I'm sick," she said.
However, investigations have revealed that return plane tickets from holidays in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were booked for dates after the day she was supposed to return to work. For the days reported as sick leave, she received over 17 Swedish kronor (around 1,500 euros) in sick pay.
Now, the police investigator has been charged with aggravated fraud and false statements. The indictment states that she abused public trust by committing acts closely related in time, place and purpose, in her capacity as a police officer.
For the criminal offense of aggravated fraud, Swedish law provides for a sentence of six months to six years in prison. /Telegraph/
