Case Law Database

Trafficking in persons

Other Crimes

Case no B 87-11

Fact Summary

Two women from Cameroon were convicted in the District Court to six and two years in prison for human trafficking and procuring. The Svea Court of Appeal made the same assessment. The Defendants had been using voodoo to frighten a dozen African women into prostitution through voodoo rituals. Medicine Men had used ancient curses, slaughtered animals and drums. The women had to take an oath to reimburse travel costs for tens of thousands of euros. Medicine men also stated that they would die for example if the amount was not repaid and the women were reported.

The district court found that prostitution, which has been marketed over the Internet, generating large revenues primarily to one woman, Defendant 1. The circumstances were considered to be comparable with the repeated rape of a deprived victim. One of the women sentenced to prison for six years. The other woman has been exposed to some pressure and she was therefore sentenced to prison for two years. Her involvement has also been restricted to phone calls and some contribution to the organization.

Two of the most vulnerable women were entitled to damages of SEK 300,000 each, according to the District Court of Stockholm. However, the Svea Court of Appeal modified the district court's judgment only by determining the damages to the women to SEK 250,000 each.

At the main hearing (Sw:huvudförhandling) has been interpreted to and from five languages.

Author:
White & Case LLP

This work was developed through a partnership with UNODC, Lawyers Without Borders and White & Case LLP.

Keywords

Acts:
Recruitment
Transportation
Harbouring
Receipt
Means:
Threat or use of force or other forms of coercion
Deception
Abuse of power or a position of vulnerability
Purpose of Exploitation:
Exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation
Form of Trafficking:
Transnational
Sector in which exploitation takes place:
Commercial sexual exploitation

Cross-Cutting Issues

Liability

... for

• completed offence

... based on

• criminal intention

... as involves

• principal offender(s)

Offending

Details

• occurred across one (or more) international borders (transnationally)

Involved Countries

Sweden

Nigeria

Gender Equality Considerations

Details

• Gender considerations
• Female principal offender

Procedural Information

Legal System:
Civil Law
Latest Court Ruling:
Appellate Court
Type of Proceeding:
Criminal

1st Instance:

Stockholms tingsrätt (Eng: the District Court of Stockholm)

Stockholm, Sweden

December 17, 2010

Reference: B 19658-09

 

2nd Instance:

Svea hovrätt (Svea Court of Appeal)

Stockholm, Sweden

May 11, 2011

Reference: B 87-11

 
 

Victims / Plaintiffs in the first instance

Victim:
Individual 1
Gender:
Child
Nationality:
Nigerian
Born:
1993
It is likely the victim was under 18 when the crime took place.
Victim:
Anonymous 2
Gender:
Female
Nationality:
Nigerian
It appears that she turned 22 years old in November 2010
Victim:
Individual 3
Gender:
Female
Nationality:
Nigerian
Victim:
Individual 4
Gender:
Female

Defendants / Respondents in the first instance

Defendant:
Anonymous 1
Gender:
Female
Nationality:
Cameroonian
Born:
1980
Legal Reasoning:

Defendant 1 has, through other persons, recruited Victim 1 with the purpose of using her for prostitution in Sweden. Victim 1 came to Sweden using defendant 1’s passport and Defendant 1 arranged with Victim 1’s trip to Sweden, providing her with travel documents. Defendant 1 decided when and where Victim 1 should work. Defendant 1 has also instructed Victim 1 on how she should carry out her work. Victim 1 owed money to Defendant 1 for the journey and due to a voodoo session, and Defendant 1 received as much money as possible from Victim 1’s work in order to repay the debt. Victim 2, who was also in debt in the same manner as Victim 1, has told her boyfriend that she was working in slave-like conditions, and the boyfriend bought Victim 2 free. Thus, Victim 1 and 2 was in an exposed and vulnerable position, as they owed money to Defendant 1 and had to obey her, and as they lived in a country where they did not know the language. Therefore, Defendant 1 shall be convicted of Human Trafficking.

Defendant:
Anonymous 2
Gender:
Female
Born:
1987
Legal Reasoning:

Defendant 2 was well aware of the circumstances in which Victim 1 and 2 arrived to Sweden. However, it cannot be shown that Defendant 2 had independent control over the victims. Thus, she cannot be held guilty of human trafficking.

However, Defendant 2 has travelled with Victim 1 to Sweden, called to see how Victim 1’s work was going and she has received money for Victim 1’s work on Defendant 1’s behalf. Thus, Defendant 2 shall be held guilty of Complicity to Human Trafficking in relation to Victim 1. Although it can be assumed that Defendant 2 has assisted Defendant 1 in relation to Victim 2 as well, this cannot be shown. Thus, she shall not be held guilty of human trafficking in relation to Victim 2.

Defendant 2’s involvement in other persons’ prostitution has not affected such prostitution to an extent that she should be held guilty of procurement/pimping.

Defendant:
Anonymous 3
Gender:
Female
Nationality:
Nigerian
Born:
1970
Legal Reasoning:

Defendant 3 has – by harbouring Victim 1, provided her with ads on the Internet, received phone calls on Victim 1’s behalf, arranged with transportation for Victim 1 to and from clients, conversing with Defendant 1 when she was in Africa, receiving instructions from Defendant 1 on how Victim 1 should work, reported on how the business was going, and received money from Victim 1 for reporting to Defendant 1 in Africa – promoted Victim (X’s) prostitution to such an extension that it is punishable as procuring/pimping. However, it is not, as argued by the Prosecuted, shown that Defendant 3 has taken over the control over Victim 1 when Defendant 1 has been travelling etc. Thus, the indictment should be dismissed in this part.

Defendant:
Anonymous 4
Gender:
Male
Nationality:
Danish
Born:
1971
Legal Reasoning:

Defendant 4, who is Defendant 1’s husband, was aware of the fact that prostituted women lived in his and Victim 1’s apartment. However, it is not certain that he knew of all of the circumstances under which Victim 1 and 2 had been brought to Sweden. Thus, Defendant 2 cannot be held guilty of Human Trafficking.

Defendant 4 and Victim 1 and 2 lived in the apartment together during a period, and at times, they received customers when Defendant 4 was at home. Further, Defendant 4 has assisted them in creating ads on the internet to attract customers, and thereby supported Victim 1 and Victim 2’s prostitution, to an extent that he should be held guilty of Procuring/pimping. Five times, Defendant 4 has driven Victim 1 to sex buyers and he was aware of the reason for such trips. Thereby, Defendant 4 has promoted Victim 1’s prostitution in a manner that it should be included in the procuring/pimping. Further, he has received money from Victim 1, to be transferred to Defendant 1. Even though it cannot be shown that this implies that he has economically used Victim 1, the economic transfer money to Defendant 1 for the payment of ads shall be seen as an illegal support. Defendant 4 is prosecuted for and found guilty of procuring/pimping.

However, he is not found guilty of complicity to someone else’s procuring/pimping.

Defendant:
Anonymous 5
Gender:
Male
Nationality:
Ugandan
Born:
1977
Legal Reasoning:

There is no proof that Defendant 5 knew about the fact that Victim 1 was a victim of Human Trafficking. Thus, he cannot be held guilty of complicity to such crime.

However, it is shown that Defendant 5 has arranged for the rental of apartments, which he knew were going to be used for prostitution. Further Defendant 5 has given advice in relation to ads on the Internet, e.g. to lower the price, saying that “Russian women are cheap”. He has also driven the victims to different places during different times, and he has begged to Defendant 3 to keep his job. Even though it is shown that Defendant 5 has gained a lot of money making ads and driving the victims to their customers, it cannot be shown that he has economically used the victims. The crime is not to be considered as severe.

Defendant:
Anonymous 6
Gender:
Male
Legal Reasoning:

Defendant 5 has promoted the women’s prostitution by driving them to and from customers and giving them advice as to “good and bad areas”. He has not unduly used the women economically and he cannot be charged for the fact that Victim 1 had not yet turned 18, which is not shown. Thus, the crime is not to be seen as severe.

Defendant:
Anonymous 7
Gender:
Male
Nationality:
Rwandan
Legal Reasoning:

Defendant 7 has promoted prostitution by renting out his apartment, knowing about the prostitution which was going to take place there. Even though it cannot be shown that he has not given some money to Defendant 6 for the apartment, Defendant 7 has unduly used the fact that the apartment was to be used for prostitution purposes.

Respondent:
Anonymous 8
Gender:
Male
Nationality:
Danish
Born:
1967
Legal Reasoning:

t is shown that Defendant 8 has promoted prostitution by arranging with ads to attract customers and transferring payment. Thereby, Respondent 8 is guilty of procuring/pimping, as well as attempt to commit gross procuting. However, the crime shall not be considered as severe.

Charges / Claims / Decisions

Defendant:
Anonymous 1
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Unofficial office translation:

A person who, in other cases than those referred to in Section 1, uses unlawful coercion or deceit, exploits another person’s vulnerable situation or by some other such improper means recruits, transports, harbours, receives a person with the intent that this person shall be exploited for sexual purposes, removal of organs, military service, forced labour or other activities in a situation that implies a situation of distress for the victim, shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings to imprisonment for at least two years and at most ten years.

A person who commits an act referred to in the first paragraph against a person who is under eighteen years of age shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings even if none of the improper means described in that paragraph was used.

If an offence referred to in the first or second paragraphs is less serious, the sentence shall be imprisonment for at most four years.

In Swedish:

Den som, i annat fall än som avses i 1 §, genom olaga tvång, vilseledande, utnyttjande av någons utsatta belägenhet eller med annat sådant otillbörligt medel rekryterar, transporterar, överför, inhyser eller tar emot en person i syfte att han eller hon ska exploateras för sexuella ändamål, avlägsnande av organ, krigstjänst, tvångsarbete eller annan verksamhet i en situation som innebär nödläge för den utsatte, döms för människohandel till fängelse i lägst två och högst tio år.

Den som begår en gärning som avses i första stycket mot en person som inte har fyllt arton år döms för människohandel även om inte något sådant otillbörligt medel som anges där har använts.

Är ett brott som avses i första eller andra stycket mindre grovt, döms till fängelse i högst fyra år.
SFS 2010:371

Charge details:
Human Trafficking
Verdict:
Guilty
Term of Imprisonment:
6 years
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
Yes 
Approximately USD 44,665
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes  (Up to 10,000 USD) Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Appellate Decision:
Upheld

2nd instance: The Svea Court of Appeal finds it shown that Victim 1 was under 18 years old at the time of the crime. The Court finds Defendant 1 guilty of Human Trafficking regarding Victim 1 and 2 to the same extent as the District Court of Stockholm. The damages to Victim 1 and Victim 2 were lowered to SEK 250,000 (approximately USD 37,998) each.

Defendant:
Anonymous 2
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 4, Section 1 a) of the Swedish Penal Code, the latest change was made on July 1, 2010.

Unofficial office translation:

A person who, in other cases than those referred to in Section 1, uses unlawful coercion or deceit, exploits another person’s vulnerable situation or by some other such improper means recruits, transports, harbours, receives a person with the intent that this person shall be exploited for sexual purposes, removal of organs, military service, forced labour or other activities in a situation that implies a situation of distress for the victim, shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings to imprisonment for at least two years and at most ten years.

A person who commits an act referred to in the first paragraph against a person who is under eighteen years of age shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings even if none of the improper means described in that paragraph was used.

If an offence referred to in the first or second paragraphs is less serious, the sentence shall be imprisonment for at most four years.

In Swedish:

Den som, i annat fall än som avses i 1 §, genom olaga tvång, vilseledande, utnyttjande av någons utsatta belägenhet eller med annat sådant otillbörligt medel rekryterar, transporterar, överför, inhyser eller tar emot en person i syfte att han eller hon ska exploateras för sexuella ändamål, avlägsnande av organ, krigstjänst, tvångsarbete eller annan verksamhet i en situation som innebär nödläge

för den utsatte, döms för människohandel till fängelse i lägst två och högst tio år.

Den som begår en gärning som avses i första stycket mot en person som inte har fyllt arton år döms för människohandel även om inte något sådant otillbörligt medel som anges där har använts.

Är ett brott som avses i första eller andra stycket mindre grovt, döms till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Charge details:
Human Trafficking
Verdict:
Not Guilty
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 23, Section 4 of the Swedish Penal Code in conjunction with Chapter 4, Section 1 a) of the Swedish Penal Code.

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 23, Section 4 - Punishment as provided for an act in this Code shall be imposed not only on the person who committed the act but also on anyone who furthered it by advice or deed. The same shall also apply to any other act punishable with imprisonment under another Law or statutory instrument.

A person who is not regarded as the perpetrator shall, if he induced another to commit the act, be sentenced for instigation of the crime and otherwise for aiding the crime.

Each accomplice shall be judged according to the intent or the negligence attributable to him. Punishments defined in law for the act of a manager, debtor or other person in a special position shall also be imposed on anyone who was an accomplice to the act of such person.

The provisions of this paragraph do not apply if the law provides otherwise in special cases. (Law 1994:458)

Text in original language (Swedish):

Ansvar som i denna balk är föreskrivet för viss gärning skall ådömas inte bara den som utfört gärningen utan även annan som främjat denna med råd eller dåd. Detsamma skall gälla beträffande i annan lag eller författning straffbelagd gärning, för vilken fängelse är föreskrivet.

Den som inte är att anse som gärningsman döms, om han har förmått annan till utförandet, för anstiftan av brottet och annars för medhjälp till det.

Varje medverkande bedöms efter det uppsåt eller den oaktsamhet som ligger honom till last. Ansvar som är föreskrivet för gärning av syssloman, gäldenär eller annan i särskild ställning skall ådömas även den som tillsammans med honom medverkat till gärningen.

Vad som sägs i denna paragraf skall inte gälla, om något annat följer av vad för särskilda fall är föreskrivet.

SFS 1994:458

Chapter 4, Section 1 a) is quoted above.

Charge details:
Complicity to Human Trafficking committed by Defendant 1
Verdict:
Guilty
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code - A person who promotes or improperly financially exploits a person’s engagement in casual sexual relations in return for payment shall be sentenced for procuring to imprisonment for at most four years.

If a person who, holding the right to the use of premises, has granted the right to use them to another, subsequently learns that the premises are wholly or to a substantial extent used for casual sexual relations in return for payment and omits to do what can reasonably be requested to terminate the granted right, he or she shall, if the activity continues or is resumed at the premises, be considered to have promoted the activity and shall be held criminally responsible in accordance with the first paragraph.

If a crime provided for in the first or second paragraph is considered gross, imprisonment for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for gross procuring. In assessing whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to whether the crime has concerned a large-scale activity, brought significant financial gain or involved ruthless exploitation of another person.

SFS 2005:90

Text in original language (Swedish):

6 kap. 12 § BrB - Den som främjar eller på ett otillbörligt sätt ekonomiskt utnyttjar att en person har tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning, döms för koppleri till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Om en person som med nyttjanderätt har upplåtit en lägenhet får veta att lägenheten helt eller till väsentlig del används för tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning och inte gör vad som skäligen kan begäras för att få upplåtelsen att upphöra, skall han eller hon, om verksamheten fortsätter eller återupptas i lägenheten, anses ha främjat verksamheten och dömas till ansvar enligt första stycket.

Är brott som avses i första eller andra stycket att anse som grovt, döms för grovt koppleri till fängelse i lägst två och högst åtta år. Vid bedömande av om brottet är grovt skall särskilt beaktas om brottet avsett en verksamhet som bedrivits i större omfattning, medfört betydande vinning eller inneburit ett hänsynslöst utnyttjande av annan.

SFS 2005:90

Charge details:
Procuring
Verdict:
Not Guilty
Term of Imprisonment:
4 years
And expulsion for eight years
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
No 
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes  Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Appellate Decision:
Upheld

2nd instance:

The same arguments as in the district court.


Defendant:
Anonymous 3
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code

Unofficial office translation:

A person who promotes or improperly financially exploits a person’s engagement in casual sexual relations in return for payment shall be sentenced for procuring to imprisonment for at most four years.

If a person who, holding the right to the use of premises, has granted the right to use them to another, subsequently learns that the premises are wholly or to a substantial extent used for casual sexual relations in return for payment and omits to do what can reasonably be requested to terminate the granted right, he or she shall, if the activity continues or is resumed at the premises, be considered to have promoted the activity and shall be held criminally responsible in accordance with the first paragraph.

If a crime provided for in the first or second paragraph is considered gross, imprisonment for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for gross procuring. In assessing whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to whether the crime has concerned a large-scale activity, brought significant financial gain or involved ruthless exploitation of another person.

Text in original language (Swedish):

Den som främjar eller på ett otillbörligt sätt ekonomiskt utnyttjar att en person har tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning, döms för koppleri till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Om en person som med nyttjanderätt har upplåtit en lägenhet får veta att lägenheten helt eller till väsentlig del används för tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning och inte gör vad som skäligen kan begäras för att få upplåtelsen att upphöra, skall han eller hon, om verksamheten fortsätter eller återupptas i lägenheten, anses ha främjat verksamheten och dömas till ansvar enligt första stycket.

Är brott som avses i första eller andra stycket att anse som grovt, döms för grovt koppleri till fängelse i lägst två och högst åtta år. Vid bedömande av om brottet är grovt skall särskilt beaktas om brottet avsett en verksamhet som bedrivits i större omfattning, medfört betydande vinning eller inneburit ett hänsynslöst utnyttjande av annan.

Charge details:
Procuring
Verdict:
Guilty
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 4, Section 1 a) of the Swedish Penal Code, the latest change was made on July 1, 2010.

Unofficial office translation:

A person who, in other cases than those referred to in Section 1, uses unlawful coercion or deceit, exploits another person’s vulnerable situation or by some other such improper means recruits, transports, harbours, receives a person with the intent that this person shall be exploited for sexual purposes, removal of organs, military service, forced labour or other activities in a situation that implies a situation of distress for the victim, shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings to imprisonment for at least two years and at most ten years.

A person who commits an act referred to in the first paragraph against a person who is under eighteen years of age shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings even if none of the improper means described in that paragraph was used.

If an offence referred to in the first or second paragraphs is less serious, the sentence shall be imprisonment for at most four years.

In Swedish:

Den som, i annat fall än som avses i 1 §, genom olaga tvång, vilseledande, utnyttjande av någons utsatta belägenhet eller med annat sådant otillbörligt medel rekryterar, transporterar, överför, inhyser eller tar emot en person i syfte att han eller hon ska exploateras för sexuella ändamål, avlägsnande av organ, krigstjänst, tvångsarbete eller annan verksamhet i en situation som innebär nödläge för den utsatte, döms för människohandel till fängelse i lägst två och högst tio år.

Den som begår en gärning som avses i första stycket mot en person som inte har fyllt arton år döms för människohandel även om inte något sådant otillbörligt medel som anges där har använts.

Är ett brott som avses i första eller andra stycket mindre grovt, döms till fängelse i högst fyra år.
SFS 2010:371

Charge details:
Human Trafficking
Verdict:
Guilty
Suspended sentence (Sw: villkorlig dom)
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
No 
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes    SEK 500  (Up to 10,000 USD) Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Appellate Decision:
In Part

2nd instance: Defendant 3 was considered guilty of procuring and the Svea Court of Appeal changed the punishment to imprisonment for 1 year and 6 months.

Defendant:
Anonymous 4
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 4, Section 1 a) of the Swedish Penal Code, the latest change was made on July 1, 2010, alternatively in conjunction with Chapter 23, Section 4 of the Swedish Penal Code.

For the full text of human trafficking, please see Defendant 1.

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 23, Section 4 - Punishment as provided for an act in this Code shall be imposed not only on the person who committed the act but also on anyone who furthered it by advice or deed. The same shall also apply to any other act punishable with imprisonment under another Law or statutory instrument.

A person who is not regarded as the perpetrator shall, if he induced another to commit the act, be sentenced for instigation of the crime and otherwise for aiding the crime.

Each accomplice shall be judged according to the intent or the negligence attributable to him. Punishments defined in law for the act of a manager, debtor or other person in a special position shall also be imposed on anyone who was an accomplice to the act of such person.

The provisions of this paragraph do not apply if the law provides otherwise in special cases. (Law 1994:458)

Text in original language (Swedish):

Ansvar som i denna balk är föreskrivet för viss gärning skall ådömas inte bara den som utfört gärningen utan även annan som främjat denna med råd eller dåd. Detsamma skall gälla beträffande i annan lag eller författning straffbelagd gärning, för vilken fängelse är föreskrivet.

Den som inte är att anse som gärningsman döms, om han har förmått annan till utförandet, för anstiftan av brottet och annars för medhjälp till det.

Varje medverkande bedöms efter det uppsåt eller den oaktsamhet som ligger honom till last. Ansvar som är föreskrivet för gärning av syssloman, gäldenär eller annan i särskild ställning skall ådömas även den som tillsammans med honom medverkat till gärningen.

Vad som sägs i denna paragraf skall inte gälla, om något annat följer av vad för särskilda fall är föreskrivet.

SFS 1994:458

Charge details:
Human Trafficking or complicity to such crime
Verdict:
Not Guilty
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code - A person who promotes or improperly financially exploits a person’s engagement in casual sexual relations in return for payment shall be sentenced for procuring to imprisonment for at most four years.

If a person who, holding the right to the use of premises, has granted the right to use them to another, subsequently learns that the premises are wholly or to a substantial extent used for casual sexual relations in return for payment and omits to do what can reasonably be requested to terminate the granted right, he or she shall, if the activity continues or is resumed at the premises, be considered to have promoted the activity and shall be held criminally responsible in accordance with the first paragraph.

If a crime provided for in the first or second paragraph is considered gross, imprisonment for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for gross procuring. In assessing whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to whether the crime has concerned a large-scale activity, brought significant financial gain or involved ruthless exploitation of another person.

SFS 2005:90

Text in original language (Swedish):

6 kap. 12 § BrB - Den som främjar eller på ett otillbörligt sätt ekonomiskt utnyttjar att en person har tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning, döms för koppleri till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Om en person som med nyttjanderätt har upplåtit en lägenhet får veta att lägenheten helt eller till väsentlig del används för tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning och inte gör vad som skäligen kan begäras för att få upplåtelsen att upphöra, skall han eller hon, om verksamheten fortsätter eller återupptas i lägenheten, anses ha främjat verksamheten och dömas till ansvar enligt första stycket.

Är brott som avses i första eller andra stycket att anse som grovt, döms för grovt koppleri till fängelse i lägst två och högst åtta år. Vid bedömande av om brottet är grovt skall särskilt beaktas om brottet avsett en verksamhet som bedrivits i större omfattning, medfört betydande vinning eller inneburit ett hänsynslöst utnyttjande av annan.

SFS 2005:90

Charge details:
Procuring
Verdict:
Guilty
Suspended sentence (Sw: villkorlig dom)
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
No 
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes  (Up to 10,000 USD) Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Appellate Decision:
In Part

2nd instance: Instead of being held guilty of procurement, Defendant 4 was held guilty of complicity in human trafficking, Chapter 6, Section 1a in conjunction with Section 23, Section 4 of the Swedish Penal Code. The punishment was set to imprisonment for 1 year.

Defendant:
Anonymous 5
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 4, Section 1 a) of the Swedish Penal Code, the latest change was made on July 1, 2010, alternatively in conjunction with Chapter 23, Section 4 of the Swedish Penal Code.

Chapter 4

Unofficial office translation:

A person who, in other cases than those referred to in Section 1, uses unlawful coercion or deceit, exploits another person’s vulnerable situation or by some other such improper means recruits, transports, harbours, receives a person with the intent that this person shall be exploited for sexual purposes, removal of organs, military service, forced labour or other activities in a situation that implies a situation of distress for the victim, shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings to imprisonment for at least two years and at most ten years.

A person who commits an act referred to in the first paragraph against a person who is under eighteen years of age shall be sentenced for trafficking in human beings even if none of the improper means described in that paragraph was used.

If an offence referred to in the first or second paragraphs is less serious, the sentence shall be imprisonment for at most four years.

In Swedish:

Den som, i annat fall än som avses i 1 §, genom olaga tvång, vilseledande, utnyttjande av någons utsatta belägenhet eller med annat sådant otillbörligt medel rekryterar, transporterar, överför, inhyser eller tar emot en person i syfte att han eller hon ska exploateras för sexuella ändamål, avlägsnande av organ, krigstjänst, tvångsarbete eller annan verksamhet i en situation som innebär nödläge för den utsatte, döms för människohandel till fängelse i lägst två och högst tio år.

Den som begår en gärning som avses i första stycket mot en person som inte har fyllt arton år döms för människohandel även om inte något sådant otillbörligt medel som anges där har använts.

Är ett brott som avses i första eller andra stycket mindre grovt, döms till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 23, Section 4 - Punishment as provided for an act in this Code shall be imposed not only on the person who committed the act but also on anyone who furthered it by advice or deed. The same shall also apply to any other act punishable with imprisonment under another Law or statutory instrument.

A person who is not regarded as the perpetrator shall, if he induced another to commit the act, be sentenced for instigation of the crime and otherwise for aiding the crime.

Each accomplice shall be judged according to the intent or the negligence attributable to him. Punishments defined in law for the act of a manager, debtor or other person in a special position shall also be imposed on anyone who was an accomplice to the act of such person.

The provisions of this paragraph do not apply if the law provides otherwise in special cases. (Law 1994:458)

Text in original language (Swedish):

Ansvar som i denna balk är föreskrivet för viss gärning skall ådömas inte bara den som utfört gärningen utan även annan som främjat denna med råd eller dåd. Detsamma skall gälla beträffande i annan lag eller författning straffbelagd gärning, för vilken fängelse är föreskrivet.

Den som inte är att anse som gärningsman döms, om han har förmått annan till utförandet, för anstiftan av brottet och annars för medhjälp till det.

Varje medverkande bedöms efter det uppsåt eller den oaktsamhet som ligger honom till last. Ansvar som är föreskrivet för gärning av syssloman, gäldenär eller annan i särskild ställning skall ådömas även den som tillsammans med honom medverkat till gärningen.

Vad som sägs i denna paragraf skall inte gälla, om något annat följer av vad för särskilda fall är föreskrivet.

SFS 1994:458

Charge details:
Complicity to Human Trafficking
Verdict:
Not Guilty
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code

Unofficial office translation:

A person who promotes or improperly financially exploits a person’s engagement in casual sexual relations in return for payment shall be sentenced for procuring to imprisonment for at most four years.

If a person who, holding the right to the use of premises, has granted the right to use them to another, subsequently learns that the premises are wholly or to a substantial extent used for casual sexual relations in return for payment and omits to do what can reasonably be requested to terminate the granted right, he or she shall, if the activity continues or is resumed at the premises, be considered to have promoted the activity and shall be held criminally responsible in accordance with the first paragraph.

If a crime provided for in the first or second paragraph is considered gross, imprisonment for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for gross procuring. In assessing whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to whether the crime has concerned a large-scale activity, brought significant financial gain or involved ruthless exploitation of another person.

Text in original language (Swedish):

Den som främjar eller på ett otillbörligt sätt ekonomiskt utnyttjar att en person har tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning, döms för koppleri till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Om en person som med nyttjanderätt har upplåtit en lägenhet får veta att lägenheten helt eller till väsentlig del används för tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning och inte gör vad som skäligen kan begäras för att få upplåtelsen att upphöra, skall han eller hon, om verksamheten fortsätter eller återupptas i lägenheten, anses ha främjat verksamheten och dömas till ansvar enligt första stycket.

Är brott som avses i första eller andra stycket att anse som grovt, döms för grovt koppleri till fängelse i lägst två och högst åtta år. Vid bedömande av om brottet är grovt skall särskilt beaktas om brottet avsett en verksamhet som bedrivits i större omfattning, medfört betydande vinning eller inneburit ett hänsynslöst utnyttjande av annan.

Charge details:
Procuring/pimping
Verdict:
Guilty
Term of Imprisonment:
1 year 6 Months
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
No 
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes  (Up to 10,000 USD) Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Appellate Decision:
Upheld

2nd instance:

The same reasoning as in the first instance.

Defendant:
Anonymous 6
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code - A person who promotes or improperly financially exploits a person’s engagement in casual sexual relations in return for payment shall be sentenced for procuring to imprisonment for at most four years.

If a person who, holding the right to the use of premises, has granted the right to use them to another, subsequently learns that the premises are wholly or to a substantial extent used for casual sexual relations in return for payment and omits to do what can reasonably be requested to terminate the granted right, he or she shall, if the activity continues or is resumed at the premises, be considered to have promoted the activity and shall be held criminally responsible in accordance with the first paragraph.

If a crime provided for in the first or second paragraph is considered gross, imprisonment for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for gross procuring. In assessing whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to whether the crime has concerned a large-scale activity, brought significant financial gain or involved ruthless exploitation of another person.

SFS 2005:90

Text in original language (Swedish):

6 kap. 12 § BrB - Den som främjar eller på ett otillbörligt sätt ekonomiskt utnyttjar att en person har tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning, döms för koppleri till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Om en person som med nyttjanderätt har upplåtit en lägenhet får veta att lägenheten helt eller till väsentlig del används för tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning och inte gör vad som skäligen kan begäras för att få upplåtelsen att upphöra, skall han eller hon, om verksamheten fortsätter eller återupptas i lägenheten, anses ha främjat verksamheten och dömas till ansvar enligt första stycket.

Är brott som avses i första eller andra stycket att anse som grovt, döms för grovt koppleri till fängelse i lägst två och högst åtta år. Vid bedömande av om brottet är grovt skall särskilt beaktas om brottet avsett en verksamhet som bedrivits i större omfattning, medfört betydande vinning eller inneburit ett hänsynslöst utnyttjande av annan.

SFS 2005:90

Charge details:
Procuring/pimping
Verdict:
Guilty
Suspended sentence (Sw: villkorlig dom)
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
No 
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes  (Up to 10,000 USD) Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Defendant:
Anonymous 7
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code

Unofficial office translation:

A person who promotes or improperly financially exploits a person’s engagement in casual sexual relations in return for payment shall be sentenced for procuring to imprisonment for at most four years.

If a person who, holding the right to the use of premises, has granted the right to use them to another, subsequently learns that the premises are wholly or to a substantial extent used for casual sexual relations in return for payment and omits to do what can reasonably be requested to terminate the granted right, he or she shall, if the activity continues or is resumed at the premises, be considered to have promoted the activity and shall be held criminally responsible in accordance with the first paragraph.

If a crime provided for in the first or second paragraph is considered gross, imprisonment for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for gross procuring. In assessing whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to whether the crime has concerned a large-scale activity, brought significant financial gain or involved ruthless exploitation of another person.

Text in original language (Swedish):

Den som främjar eller på ett otillbörligt sätt ekonomiskt utnyttjar att en person har tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning, döms för koppleri till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Om en person som med nyttjanderätt har upplåtit en lägenhet får veta att lägenheten helt eller till väsentlig del används för tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning och inte gör vad som skäligen kan begäras för att få upplåtelsen att upphöra, skall han eller hon, om verksamheten fortsätter eller återupptas i lägenheten, anses ha främjat verksamheten och dömas till ansvar enligt första stycket.

Är brott som avses i första eller andra stycket att anse som grovt, döms för grovt koppleri till fängelse i lägst två och högst åtta år. Vid bedömande av om brottet är grovt skall särskilt beaktas om brottet avsett en verksamhet som bedrivits i större omfattning, medfört betydande vinning eller inneburit ett hänsynslöst utnyttjande av annan.

Charge details:
Procuring/pimping
Verdict:
Guilty
Special probation (Sw: skyddstillsyn)
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
No 
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes  (Up to 10,000 USD) Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Respondent:
Anonymous 8
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 6, Section 12 of the Swedish Penal Code - A person who promotes or improperly financially exploits a person’s engagement in casual sexual relations in return for payment shall be sentenced for procuring to imprisonment for at most four years.

If a person who, holding the right to the use of premises, has granted the right to use them to another, subsequently learns that the premises are wholly or to a substantial extent used for casual sexual relations in return for payment and omits to do what can reasonably be requested to terminate the granted right, he or she shall, if the activity continues or is resumed at the premises, be considered to have promoted the activity and shall be held criminally responsible in accordance with the first paragraph.

If a crime provided for in the first or second paragraph is considered gross, imprisonment for at least two and at most eight years shall be imposed for gross procuring. In assessing whether the crime is gross, special consideration shall be given to whether the crime has concerned a large-scale activity, brought significant financial gain or involved ruthless exploitation of another person.

SFS 2005:90

Text in original language (Swedish):

6 kap. 12 § BrB - Den som främjar eller på ett otillbörligt sätt ekonomiskt utnyttjar att en person har tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning, döms för koppleri till fängelse i högst fyra år.

Om en person som med nyttjanderätt har upplåtit en lägenhet får veta att lägenheten helt eller till väsentlig del används för tillfälliga sexuella förbindelser mot ersättning och inte gör vad som skäligen kan begäras för att få upplåtelsen att upphöra, skall han eller hon, om verksamheten fortsätter eller återupptas i lägenheten, anses ha främjat verksamheten och dömas till ansvar enligt första stycket.

Är brott som avses i första eller andra stycket att anse som grovt, döms för grovt koppleri till fängelse i lägst två och högst åtta år. Vid bedömande av om brottet är grovt skall särskilt beaktas om brottet avsett en verksamhet som bedrivits i större omfattning, medfört betydande vinning eller inneburit ett hänsynslöst utnyttjande av annan.

SFS 2005:90

Charge details:
Procuring/pimping
Verdict:
Guilty
Legislation / Statute / Code:

Chapter 23, Section 1, For procuring/gross procuring, please see above Defendant 2.

For procuring, please see Defendant 2 above.

Unofficial office translation:

Chapter 23, Section 1 of the Swedish Penal Code - A person who has begun to commit a crime without bringing it to completion, shall, in cases where specific provisions exist for the purpose, be sentenced for attempt to commit crime if there was a danger that the act would lead to the completion of the crime or such danger had been precluded only because of fortuitous circumstances.

Punishment for attempt shall be at most what is applicable to a completed crime and not less than imprisonment if the least punishment for the completed crime is imprisonment for two years or more.

Text in original language (Swedish)

23 kap. 1 § BrB - Har någon påbörjat utförandet av visst brott utan att detta kommit till fullbordan, skall han i de fall särskilt stadgande givits därom dömas för försök till brottet, såframt fara förelegat att handlingen skulle leda till brottets fullbordan eller sådan fara endast på grund av tillfälliga omständigheter varit utesluten.

Straff för försök bestämmes högst till vad som gäller för fullbordat brott och må ej sättas under fängelse, om lägsta straff för det fullbordade brottet är fängelse i två år eller däröver.

Charge details:
Attempt to commit gross procuring (Sw: forsök till grovt koppleri)
Verdict:
Guilty
Term of Imprisonment:
1 year
Compensation / Payment to Victim:
No 
Fine / Payment to State:
Yes  (Up to 10,000 USD) Payment to a fund for victims of crime
Appellate Decision:
In Part

2nd instance:

The Svea Court of Appeal found that Defendant 8 was guilty of procuring and attempt to commit procuring, instead of attempt to commit gross procuring. Defendant 8 was charged with 8 months of imprisonment.

Court

Svea hovrätt (Eng: Svea Court of Appeal)

Sources / Citations

Case B 87-11