A democracy guide in Gothenburg, accused of aiding criminal gangs, was dismissed but later received a settlement of 16 months' salary. Despite serious allegations, his service certificate praised his service skills, raising concerns about the potential risks of his future employment.
Controversial Dismissal: Democracy Guide Linked to Criminal Gangs Receives Settlement
Controversial Dismissal: Democracy Guide Linked to Criminal Gangs Receives Settlement
A democracy guide accused of facilitating criminal gangs has been dismissed from the Democracy and Citizen Service in Gothenburg.
Just before summer, the administration decided to terminate a community guide responsible for democracy issues. The decision was based on information from police and prosecutors that the man had allowed his account to be used by gang criminals and was involved in a money laundering investigation.
However, after seeking union assistance, a settlement was reached where he received 16 months' salary—a cost to taxpayers of over 750,000 kronor—and a service certificate to aid in his job search.
Service Skills Praised
The service certificate did not mention the circumstances that led to his dismissal. Instead, it highlighted his "sense of service and engagement," noting his ability to communicate and contribute positively to the work environment.
The certificate, signed by a unit manager at Democracy and Citizen Service and discussed with HR chief Marie Bake and a city legal advisor, concluded with a farewell message:
"As NN leaves the City of Gothenburg, I want to thank him for this time and wish him all the best!"
Convicted Individuals
These statements contrast sharply with the labor investigation that justified his dismissal, describing him as a facilitator for criminal gangs, unsuitable for the role. It was alleged, with prosecutor support, that he allowed his account to be used by convicted gang members.
"Participating in criminal activities and facilitating for members of a known criminal network is not compatible with our mission," the administration wrote in the labor investigation, adding:
"Working for democratic participation while engaging in activities against democratic values can damage public trust and reduce our legitimacy."
"Such is Practice"
"We work for the residents, and we should not do anything that risks damaging their trust," said HR chief Marie Bake about the dismissal decision.
Her explanation for the different tone and content of the service certificate is that it follows practice.
"Such is the practice as I have been informed, to write in this way. There was nothing in his service performance that led to this decision."
These service certificates are used as references for new jobs. Isn't there a significant risk that this person, with alleged gang connections, could move to a new job that might be problematic? Don't you have any responsibility there?
"Yes, the practice is to write in this way."
When Expressen asked if the administration was sending mixed signals about the seriousness of a civil servant being identified as a facilitator linked to criminal gangs, by first dismissing him and then paying 16 months' salary with only positive references, Marie Bake requested to return after consulting further with the city's legal advisors.
She later returned with a written statement reiterating that the practice is to write as they did—but did not rule out providing the full picture if future employers contact them specifically:
"When taking references from other employers, we may receive questions about the employee in a broader perspective, and we answer them honestly and transparently," wrote the HR chief, continuing: "That we as an employer would spread information or warn other employers about a former employee in a service certificate without documented work-related misconduct is not within the employer's role."
According to the settlement, the administration formally withdrew the dismissal decision, but the stance on the issue and the reasons for dismissal remain firm, according to Marie Bake.