Leif Ivan Karlsson, previously acquitted of serious environmental crimes, is back in court facing charges of severe financial misconduct related to his past ventures, including Think Pink and the Baltic Star shipping business. Despite his previous acquittal, Karlsson now faces allegations of gross accounting fraud and creditor deception. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, highlights ongoing legal challenges for the controversial businessman.
Leif Ivan Karlsson Faces Court Again for Serious Financial Crimes
Leif Ivan Karlsson Faces Court Again for Serious Financial Crimes
Just over two months ago, he was acquitted of serious environmental crimes in the Think Pink scandal and celebrated with champagne. Now, Leif Ivan Karlsson is back in court, charged with serious financial crimes linked to both Think Pink and his previous shipping business with the vessel M/S Birger Jarl.
– Now the hell begins again, says Leif Ivan Karlsson.
After nearly a year of negotiations at Södertörn District Court, the former CEO of the scandal-ridden company Think Pink, Leif Ivan Karlsson, was acquitted in June of serious environmental crimes.
When he received the news in his multi-million villa in Tullinge, tears came first. Then he roared out his joy and celebrated with champagne.
– Acquitted... so wonderful, he said then.
He was not as happy when he rolled into courtroom 14 at Södertörn District Court again on Wednesday morning in his mobility scooter.
Serious Accounting Offenses
Karlsson is suspected and charged with serious accounting offenses, gross dishonesty against creditors, and serious obstruction of bankruptcy concerning his previous shipping business with his boat Baltic Star. He is also charged with serious accounting offenses in Think Pink, where he was CEO for a period.
“Feels Bitter”
Both charges will now be tried in the same proceedings where the court and prosecutor will first address the shipping business and the irregularities for which he is charged.
– It feels bitter. But as I usually say, the truth will prevail, says Leif Ivan Karlsson.
He says he feels confident about acquittals.
We talk about Think Pink, and Leif Ivan Karlsson says, as he has said several times before, that he was never really a CEO but just a figurehead. And this on behalf of the waste queen Bella Nilsson, who has now changed her name to Fariba Vancor.
– I have not been involved, but we will see, he says.
But if you are convicted, a long prison sentence awaits?
– Yes, then we will appeal. I have not done anything, so if I am convicted anyway, the legal system is very uncertain in Sweden. But we will see once again. We will see.
The problem is that you were CEO on paper, and then you have a responsibility for the ongoing management and accounting?
– Yes, I do not think so. But sure, as you say, I have heard that. But I did not think about it when I let her write me in.
Short-lived Joy
In November, a hearing will also begin in the Court of Appeal as prosecutor Anders Gustafsson appealed the district court's decision where Leif Ivan Karlsson was acquitted of serious environmental crimes.
– I was happy for just over two weeks and six days. Then the prosecutor appealed. It will be a tough autumn.