Berry Pickers Await Long-Awaited Justice in Sweden

Berry pickers from five different companies have reported being cheated out of their wages and having to endure difficult working conditions nearly every day for three months. This winter, Swedish police and prosecutors traveled to Thailand to interview individuals who worked for one of the companies under investigation by a local media outlet. If the preliminary investigation results in charges, it could lead to the largest human trafficking trial in Sweden's history.

The 92 plaintiffs in this case have already been waiting for three years for justice. However, the prosecutor Peter Salzberg, who is now the lead investigator, indicated that further delays are likely. He stated, 'The investigation is progressing, but we are facing challenges with investigative resources, especially with the summer holidays approaching. However, there is still hope.'

When asked about a potential timeline for charges, Salzberg noted, 'There are individuals residing abroad, making it difficult to provide a clear timeline. I would be very surprised if we see any resolution this year.'

Kritchakorn Nanthachai, a former berry picker who worked in Sweden three years ago, has documented much of the exploitation faced by her and her colleagues but expressed frustration over the slow pace of the investigation. Many of the affected workers still carry debts from their time working in Sweden. 'We have always had strong faith in Sweden and expected justice to be served, but why is this taking so long? We are nearing three years of waiting,' she said.

Silvia Ingolfsdottir, the legal representative for the victims, expressed hope that the preliminary investigation would be concluded by the year's end. 'The most important thing is that the investigation is as thorough as possible. It is frustrating, but delays are not uncommon in such cases,' she commented.

Last week, the Swedish government tasked the Police Authority and the Prosecution Authority with enhancing efforts against human trafficking and exploitation. This includes increasing investigative capacity and improving knowledge levels. Ingolfsdottir remarked, 'The justice system has been lacking in support for those who have been victims of human trafficking. Hopefully, this will lead to better support and greater opportunities for restitution.'

On November 16, 2022, human rights activist Junya Yimprasert, with assistance from Safe Haven/The Salvation Army, filed a complaint with the police regarding irregularities occurring in Swedish berry fields. The complaint included around 250 berry pickers. Since 2009, Yimprasert has assisted hundreds of berry pickers who were defrauded of their payments in both Finland and Sweden. In 2023, the media outlet began investigating the berry-picking industry, revealing several companies' non-compliance with Swedish laws and regulations regarding compensation, including the use of double contracts.