Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer has urged authorities to intensify the enforcement of sweeping new asset forfeiture laws introduced in November 2024. These laws, considered among the toughest in Europe, allow law enforcement to confiscate assets—including cryptocurrencies—even without a criminal conviction, if individuals are unable to prove the legal origin of the funds.
Under the new legal framework, if officials suspect that someone has obtained cryptocurrency through illegal means, or if the individual cannot adequately explain the source of their wealth, authorities are legally empowered to seize those assets. Notably, the legislation applies to minors and individuals who were suffering from severe mental disorders at the time of the alleged activity.
Since its implementation, the law has already led to the confiscation of assets worth 80 million Swedish kronor (approximately $8.4 million). According to Minister Strömmer, this is just the beginning. “Now it’s a matter of turning up the pressure further,” he stated, emphasizing the need for authorities to collaborate more effectively and focus on high-value assets often targeted by criminals.
Lawmakers Push for National Bitcoin Reserve
Amid increased attention on crypto-related criminal activity, several Swedish lawmakers are advocating for the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve. This proposal follows similar trends observed in the United States, Czechia, and Italy.
Dennis Dioukarev, a Member of the Riksdag and one of the strongest supporters of the initiative, expressed agreement with Strömmer’s push for more aggressive asset seizures. He stated that confiscating illegally obtained crypto assets is crucial in the fight against organized crime and can serve as a powerful deterrent.
Dioukarev has proposed that all seized cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, be transferred to Sweden’s central bank, the Riksbank, to form a strategic digital asset reserve. This reserve could serve as a national store of value and potentially support Sweden’s financial resilience.
Government Silent on Fate of Seized Crypto
When asked about the future of confiscated digital currencies, Minister Strömmer’s press office declined to comment, citing ongoing considerations. They also refrained from answering questions about future plans to expand or enhance the legal mechanisms for crypto-related asset seizures.
Criminal Use of Crypto on the Rise in Sweden
According to 2024 data from the Bloomsbury Intelligence & Security Institute, approximately 62,000 individuals in Sweden are affiliated with or connected to criminal networks. Authorities report that cryptocurrencies are increasingly used by drug traffickers and money launderers, though the exact scale remains difficult to quantify.
Further concerns were raised in a September report by Sweden’s Police Authority and Financial Intelligence Unit, which identified several cryptocurrency exchanges as active participants in money laundering schemes. The report recommended enhanced surveillance and infiltration efforts targeting these platforms to disrupt illegal financial activity.
JUly 2025, Cryptoniteuae