Spelinspektionen evaluates potential increase of authority access to account information

As part of a new government mandate, Sweden’s gambling authority Spelinspektionen 

has been given the task to analyse in detail the risks of gambling accounts being used for money laundering and other criminal practices. 

Following the review, the Gambling Inspectorate will then draft proposals based on the country’s socio-economic landscape if there is a need to further strengthen Sweden’s regulatory framework against such risks. 

The assignment is also asking for an evaluation of a possible move to cover gambling accounts under the ‘Account and Safe Deposit Box’ system. 

The system was recently introduced to provide authorities with eased access to key information about the identity of holders of accounts and safes at financial companies. 

Currently, the Swedish Tax Agency operates the ‘Mechanism’ platforms, through which connected authorities can request details about accounts and safe deposit boxes at credit institutions and investment companies. 

 Spelinspektionen has been given until 31 May to provide full feedback on the above assignment.

New appointments

To further strengthen Spelinspektionen’s efforts against gambling crime, the government has appointed Claes Norgren as the new Chairman of the Gambling Inspectorate. 

Norgren has previously taken roles as the Head of the Financial Supervisory Authority of the Swedish government, as well as a Deputy Governor of Sweden’s Central Bank Riksbank.  

Therese Mattsson, Former Director General of the Coast Guard, has also been announced as a member of the Spelinspektionen board.