A 62-year-old man was arrested in late October 2025 after his wife reported him to police in northern Sweden for allegedly forcing her into prostitution and committing other illegal acts. He has been held in custody since then and was formally indicted today. His identity has not been disclosed.

According to the indictment, the suspect illegally profited from coercing his wife to "perform and submit to sexual acts" for other men between 11/8/2022 and 21/10/2025.

Police in Stockholm, Sweden in June 2024. Photo: AP

The suspect, a former senior member of the notorious Hells Angels moto gang, is also accused of abusing and threatening his wife, exploiting her fear of him and her drug addiction. Prosecutors described these actions as "cruel exploitation."

This "wife selling" case is an unusual incident that has shocked public opinion in Sweden, a nation known for its strict policies against prostitution-related crimes and sexual exploitation, often referred to as the "Swedish model." Swedish law considers prostitution a form of violence against women; therefore, the law does not criminalize those who sell sex but severely punishes those who buy sex, organize, broker, or coerce individuals into prostitution.

Prosecutor Ida Annerstedt stated in February that authorities had identified approximately 120 men suspected of purchasing sex through the man's intermediation. In addition to sex trafficking, the husband is also accused of 8 rapes.

Silvia Ingolfsdottir, the lawyer representing the wife, told AFP that these charges stem from "serious and aggravated crimes" of which her client was a victim.

"She hopes to get justice," Ingolfsdottir said.

The suspect denies all charges. The first trial is scheduled to begin on 13/4.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP)