David Berntsen Lundin, a key figure in Gothenburg's gang wars, escaped from Borås detention center, sparking criticism from the union and prosecutors over his placement. Despite being sentenced to nearly 18 years for organizing a high-profile murder attempt, he was not held in a high-security facility. The escape has raised concerns about the handling of organized crime figures in Sweden.
Union Criticizes Security Lapses After Gang Leader Escapes Borås Detention
Union Criticizes Security Lapses After Gang Leader Escapes Borås Detention
Gang member David Berntsen Lundin, who escaped from Borås detention center, is sentenced to nearly 18 years in prison. The union now criticizes his placement.
"He should be in a high-security detention instead," says Christer Hallqvist from Seko.
On Sunday morning, David Berntsen Lundin, 24, and a man in his 30s climbed over several fences at the Borås facility and managed to escape.
However, they have now been found again, following tips from the public.
David Berntsen Lundin is a central figure in Gothenburg's gang wars and sentenced to 17 years and 10 months in prison for organizing the high-profile attempted murder in a mall in Kungsbacka, carried out by a 14-year-old.
"Should Be in High-Security Detention"
When he escaped, he was in detention awaiting the court of appeal's verdict.
The union is critical that he was not in a high-security detention.
"Considering the crimes and the length of the sentence, he should be in a high-security detention instead," says Christer Hallqvist, chairman of Seko within the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, to Arbetet.
He emphasizes that he does not know the background of the placement, that it may have been correct, but says that individuals involved in organized crime usually sit in high-security detentions.
"The connection to organized crime and the nature of the crimes are parameters that should be considered," says the union chairman to Arbetet.
Prosecutor's Criticism
The Swedish Prison and Probation Service does not comment on individual inmates and cannot answer why David Berntsen Lundin is not in a high-security detention. But Ulf Mossberg from the agency's press service says, generally, to Arbetet that there is a "bit of a queue" to the national reception at Kumla prison where inmates are taken before they receive a placement.
In addition to the union, prosecutor Mats Ihlbom has also been sharply critical of the escape.
"It is substandard. This just cannot happen, it is not reasonable," he says.
And:
"We invest enormous resources from police and prosecutors to investigate the most serious crimes. Then the next authority must ensure and secure the work we have done."