Prosecutors in Sweden have revealed that a man in the northern part of the country is under investigation for allegedly exploiting his wife by arranging and profiting from her provision of sexual services to at least 120 men over several years. The case highlights Sweden's unique legal framework on prostitution, where the purchase of sex is criminalized, but the sale is not.
Supervising prosecutor Ida Annerstedt disclosed the details to media outlets, including The Associated Press and AFP, on Monday, February 16, 2026. The suspect, a man in his 60s, has been held in custody since late October 2025, following a report filed by his wife, who is in her 50s. Investigators are preparing charges of aggravated procurement, also referred to as aggravated pimping under Swedish law.
"He is suspected of having facilitated, or profited financially from, the sale of the complainant's sexual services," Annerstedt stated. She described the exploitation as ruthless and large-scale, with the alleged offences occurring from January 2022 until the man's arrest.
Swedish authorities have identified over 120 men suspected of purchasing sexual services in connection with the case. These individuals may face separate investigations and potential charges for buying sex, an offence punishable under the country's Sex Purchase Act (enacted in 1999). The Nordic model approach criminalizes the demand side—those who buy sex—while decriminalizing sellers to protect individuals from prosecution and focus enforcement on exploiters and traffickers.
The man remains in pretrial detention as prosecutors finalize the indictment. If convicted of aggravated procurement, he could face a significant prison sentence, with penalties for such offences ranging up to 10 years in severe cases involving exploitation or coercion.
The investigation stems from the wife's direct complaint to police, which triggered a probe into the couple's activities. Authorities have not released the specific location within northern Sweden, citing privacy and ongoing proceedings, but reports point to the region of Västernorrland or Ångermanland based on related coverage.
This case has drawn attention due to its scale and the familial nature of the alleged exploitation. Prosecutors emphasized the husband's role in organizing encounters, potentially through advertisements, arrangements, or direct facilitation, leading to financial gain. Details on whether coercion, threats, or other forms of control were involved remain under review, though investigators have characterized the exploitation as brutal.
Sweden's prostitution laws aim to combat human trafficking and gender-based violence by targeting buyers and pimps rather than sex sellers. The approach has been influential internationally, though debates continue about its effectiveness in reducing demand and protecting vulnerable individuals.
No further details on the wife's current status or support provided have been publicly released, in line with victim protection protocols. The case is expected to proceed to trial in the coming months, with charges likely to be filed soon.
The revelation comes amid broader discussions on sexual exploitation and gender equality in Sweden, a country that maintains one of the world's strictest stances against the commercialization of sex. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to similar offences to come forward.
