Latest news with #Aftonbladet
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
Sweden's 'Queen of Trash' jailed over toxic waste scandal
Waste management company Think Pink's former chief executive Bella Nilsson was sentenced to six years behind bars for 19 counts of 'aggravated environmental crime'. PHOTO: AFP STOCKHOLM - A court in Sweden on June 17 convicted 10 people of illegally dumping toxic waste, including a former stripper who once described herself as the 'Queen of Trash', in the country's biggest environmental crime trial. The five central figures in the case were handed prison sentences ranging from two to six years. Waste management company Think Pink was found guilty of dumping or burying some 200,000 tonnes of waste from the Stockholm area at 21 sites from 2015 to 2020, with no intention of processing it correctly. In a 692-page verdict, the Sodertorn district court sentenced Think Pink's former chief executive Bella Nilsson to six years behind bars for 19 counts of 'aggravated environmental crime'. Nilsson worked as a stripper and managed a sex club in Stockholm in the 1990s, getting convicted for accounting crimes in 1998. She wrote a memoire – A Stripper's Confession – before going on to win a prestigious award in 2018 for entrepreneurship with Think Pink. The four others received prison sentences ranging from two to four-and-a-half years. 'The group's waste management activities have posed risks – in certain instances, substantial risks – to both human health and the environment,' judge Niklas Schullerqvist wrote in a statement. 'There is no doubt that environmental offences were committed at the sites where the waste was handled.' Think Pink was hired by municipalities, construction companies, apartment co-operatives and private individuals to dispose of primarily building materials but also electronics, metals, plastics, wood, tyres and toys. But the firm left the piles of waste unsorted and abandoned, the court heard. High levels of toxic PCB compounds, lead, mercury, arsenic and other chemicals had been released into the air, soil and water, endangering the health of human, animal and plant life, the court found. Nilsson – who has now changed her name to Fariba Vancor – argued during the trial that Think Pink had 'followed the law'. During the proceedings, her lawyers rejected the prosecution's claim the company used falsified documents to mislead authorities, saying any wrongdoing was 'by mistake'. Her defence team was surprised by June 17's verdict. 'It was a little unexpected,' lawyer Jan Tibbling told daily Aftonbladet, adding: 'Of course we're not happy.' He said he had yet to speak to his client to discuss whether to lodge an appeal. Nilsson has insisted she is the victim of a plot by business rivals. A total of 11 people were charged in the case. Only one of the accused was acquitted: an eccentric entrepreneur who starred in a reality show about his over-the-top lifestyle, whom the court concluded had primarily served in a marketing role. In addition to Nilsson, the convicted included an environmental consultant accused of helping the company pass inspections, a 'waste broker', a transport organiser, five landowners, and Nilsson's ex-husband who co-founded the company and at one time served as its chief executive. The five central figures were ordered to pay 260 million kronor (S$35 million) in damages to several municipalities for clean-up and decontamination costs. One of the biggest claims was from the Botkyrka city council, where two Think Pink waste piles burnt for months in 2020 and 2021 after spontaneously combusting. One was near two nature reserves. The Kagghamra site, buried under sand to extinguish the fire, has only recently stopped burning. The trial opened in September 2024 after an investigation lasting several years and comprising more than 45,000 pages. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Local Sweden
4 days ago
- Local Sweden
Queen of Trash: Sweden convicts 10 people in its biggest environmental trial
A court in Sweden on Tuesday convicted 10 people of illegally dumping toxic waste, including a former stripper who once described herself as the "Queen of Trash", in the country's biggest environmental crime trial. Advertisement The five central figures in the case were handed prison sentences ranging from two to six years. Waste management company Think Pink was found guilty of dumping or burying some 200,000 tonnes of waste from the Stockholm area at 21 sites from 2015 to 2020, with no intention of processing it correctly. In a 692-page verdict, the Södertörn district court sentenced Think Pink's former chief executive Bella Nilsson to six years behind bars for 19 counts of "aggravated environmental crime". Nilsson worked as a stripper and managed a sex club in Stockholm in the 1990s, getting convicted for accounting crimes in 1998. She wrote a memoire – "A Stripper's Confession" – before going on to win a prestigious award in 2018 for entrepreneurship with Think Pink. The four others received prison sentences ranging from two to four-and-a-half years. "The group's waste management activities have posed risks – in certain instances, substantial risks – to both human health and the environment," judge Niklas Schullerqvist wrote in a statement. "There is no doubt that environmental offences were committed at the sites where the waste was handled." Think Pink was hired by municipalities, construction companies, apartment co-operatives and private individuals to dispose of primarily building materials but also electronics, metals, plastics, wood, tyres and toys. But the firm left the piles of waste unsorted and abandoned, the court heard. High levels of toxic PCB compounds, lead, mercury, arsenic and other chemicals had been released into the air, soil and water, endangering the health of human, animal and plant life, the court found. 'Unexpected' Nilsson – who has now changed her name to Fariba Vancor – argued during the trial that Think Pink had "followed the law". During the proceedings, her lawyers rejected the prosecution's claim the company used falsified documents to mislead authorities, saying any wrongdoing was "by mistake". Her defence team was surprised by Tuesday's verdict. "It was a little unexpected," lawyer Jan Tibbling told daily Aftonbladet, adding: "Of course we're not happy." Advertisement He said he had yet to speak to his client to discuss whether to lodge an appeal. Nilsson has insisted she is the victim of a plot by business rivals. A total of 11 people were charged in the case. Only one of the accused was acquitted: an eccentric entrepreneur who starred in a reality show about his over-the-top lifestyle, whom the court concluded had primarily served in a marketing role. In addition to Nilsson, the convicted included an environmental consultant accused of helping the company pass inspections, a "waste broker", a transport organiser, five landowners, and Nilsson's ex-husband who co-founded the company and at one time served as its chief executive. The five central figures were ordered to pay 260 million kronor ($27 million) in damages to several municipalities for clean-up and decontamination costs. Advertisement One of the biggest claims was from the Botkyrka city council, where two Think Pink waste piles burned for months in 2020 and 2021 after spontaneously combusting. One was near two nature reserves. The Kagghamra site, buried under sand to extinguish the fire, has only recently stopped burning. The trial opened in September 2024 after an investigation lasting several years and comprising more than 45,000 pages.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Mika Zibanejad's wife gives big hint about Rangers star's future as speculation swirls
Irma Zibanejad is setting the record straight. The former Swedish soccer player and wife of Rangers center Mika Zibanejad weighed in on all the chatter out there surrounding her husband on Monday, when she revealed some telling information amid speculation the organization is looking to move on from him. 'We just had Mika's new coach [Mike Sullivan] here at our home, he flew over from New York recently,' she said, according to a translated quote from Swedish website Aftonbladet. 'We also just got our new home in New York. I'm always shocked about how newspapers just spread things without considering the source.' Advertisement Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers skates during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils. NHLI via Getty Images Between Sullivan's Sweden visit and the purchase of a new home in New York, it sure seems like Zibanejad will be a Ranger on Opening Night of the 2025-26 season. Irma Zibanejad's response comes amid rampant speculation surrounding the Rangers' plans this offseason, in which president and general manager Chris Drury is aiming to change the chemistry in the locker room after the team went from winning the Presidents' Trophy to missing the playoffs the last two seasons. Advertisement After Drury traded 13-year veteran Chris Kreider to Anaheim last week, it's apparent that few players are off the table to be moved this offseason. Zibanejad's name only circulated more in the aftermath of Kreider's departure. Mika Zibanejad and his wife, Irma, in a story posted to Instagram. @irmahelinzibanejad/Instagram The Post's Larry Brooks reported that Drury had been in constant communication with Zibanejad, who was the best man in Kreider's wedding in August of 2023, every step of the way. Advertisement Now, Zibanejad takes over for Kreider as the longest-tenured Ranger. Irma also referenced the Zibanejads' purchase of a new home, which comes shortly after word spread that the family net $13 million in their sale of their West Village townhouse, per Crain's New York Business. The sale fueled further speculation that Zibanejad was preparing to leave New York, but it appears the 32-year-old is set to stay. Advertisement Regardless, the eight-year, $68 million extension Zibanejad signed with the Rangers in October 2021 is ironclad. Not only does he have a full no-move clause throughout, but the contract is essentially buy-out proof due to its bonus-laden structure. Zibanejad, who has five years remaining on his contract, would need to sign off on any move the Rangers wanted to make. Read the expert take on the Blueshirts Sign up for Larry Brooks' Inside the Rangers, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters 'So interesting with newspaper articles that there is zero truth in it,' Irma wrote in Swedish on her Instagram story on Monday. 'Oh well. You sit here sometimes and think, 'How did that go through?' The rumor has been taken out of the air. It is very interesting.' There were no Rangers included among the first six players named to each of the 12 countries qualified for the men's ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Olympic Games. After making the preliminary cut for Team USA at the NHL's 4 Nations Face-off tournament in February, Rangers defenseman Adam Fox was not announced as one of the first six Americans going to Milan, Italy on Monday. Team USA instead named the Golden Knights' Jack Eichel, the Canucks' Quinn Hughes, the Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, the Bruins' Charlie McAvoy, the Senators' Brady Tkachuk and the Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk to the Olympic roster. Advertisement Zibanejad was also among the first six Swedes named to the 4 Nations tournament, but was not included in the initial cut this time around.
Daily Record
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix's Dept Q star had an ordinary job before landing life-changing role
Netflix star Alexej Manvelov who plays Akram in the streaming platforms latest thrilled Dept Q had a very normal job before coming into the spotlight. Netflix's Dept Q has quickly become a fan favourite, captivating viewers with its thrilling storyline and standout performances. While lead star Matthew Goode has earned widespread praise for his portrayal of troubled detective Carl Mørck, viewers have also been quick to praise his co-star, Alexej Manvelov, who plays Akram, hailing him as a scene stealer. The 43-year-old Swedish actor plays Akram, Detective Mørck's mysterious 'assistant'. A former member of the Syrian police, Akram is relentless in his pursuit of justice to uncover the truth. Alexej's portrayal of Akram has taken viewers by storm and they can't seem to get enough of him. Despite his growing fame and impressive appearances in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and the hit HBO show Chernobyl, his path to stardom was far from traditional. Before becoming a professional actor the star spent nearly a decade working in the construction industry - although he always wanted to be an actor. According to the Swedish publication Aftonbladet, Alexej worked as a sheet metal technician for eight years after relocating to Stockholm to chase his acting dreams. While holding down the physically demanding job, he got involved with several independent theatre groups and attended auditions whenever possible. His determination paid off, as he eventually went on to star in various Swedish productions including the thriller Before We Die and Stockholm Requiem. His breakthrough came with his portrayal of Garo in Chernobyl, which opened doors to international projects. In 2023 he went on to star as Alexei Petrov in Jack Ryan, before landing the role in Dept Q. Speaking to Netflix's Tudum, Matthew Goode praised the cast that writer and director Scott Frank assembled. He said: "Scott Frank assembled one of the finest casts I've ever gotten to work with. It's just an incredible playpen for an actor." "Leah Byrne is a stone-cold star. I felt like I've known Jamie [Sives] for a long time, we just get on so well… Alexej [Manvelov] is joy, pure joy, capital J," he continued. Dept Q is a gripping crime series revolving around the brilliant, but flawed, detective Carl Mørck, who is given a cold case assignment after being badly injured following a mysterious attack that left his partner paralysed and a young police officer dead. The show is based on the hit novels by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen and has nine episodes, which dive into the cold case and explores the truth behind Mørck's attack. Speaking about the plot, Matthew said: "When we join the story, a 16-year-old case up in Aberdeen has been solved. The optics of that look really good, because right now they're lacking finance and crime figures are going up. "So Kate Dickie's character - the boss of the police force - her higher-ups say, 'Let's form a cold case unit.' She puts Carl in charge because she can keep an eye on him in the basement." All episodes of Dept Q are available to watch on Netflix now.
Gulf Insider
04-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
'Forced Mixing' Housing Plan To Integrate Migrants Pushed By Sweden's Social Democrats
The Swedish Social Democratic Party has approved a new integration strategy that aims to forcibly diversify the country's residential areas, pushing for what party officials call a 'socio-economic mix' of Swedes and migrants in housing developments. The policy, adopted at the party congress ahead of the 2026 general election, includes proposals to limit immigration to vulnerable areas and to use housing construction to engineer a more integrated society. 'We are serious about the fact that we intend to break segregation and use housing policy as an engine in that work,' said Lawen Redar, the party official responsible for designing the new platform, as cited by Aftonbladet. Redar described the shift as a 'U-turn' in the party's approach, acknowledging that past strategies had failed. The new policy includes scrapping the right of asylum seekers to choose their own accommodation and banning municipalities from placing new arrivals in already struggling districts. Instead, migrants will be relocated to wealthier areas in an effort to engineer demographic diversity and 'repay the integration debt,' as the party put it. Jonas Attenius, a senior party official newly elected to the executive committee and chairman of the municipal board in Gothenburg, emphasized the long-term nature of the project. 'Yes, we need to mix the population in the long run. I usually say 'in a generation'. This is long-term,' he said. He argued that integrating migrant families into more prosperous neighborhoods would be key to breaking entrenched segregation. But critics have described the plan as ideological social engineering. Richard Jomshof, a member of parliament for the right-wing Sweden Democrats, responded sharply: 'No, we don't need your forced mixing. What we need are closed borders and a return migration (policy) worth the name. But sure, you socialists can mix as much as you want, just pack your bags.' On the contrary, the Sweden Democrats announced last month they will campaign in the 2026 general election on a pledge to stop migration to the country. The plan comes amid growing concern over crime and integration failures in Sweden's suburbs, many of which are dominated by immigrant populations. In recent years, the country has faced a wave of gang-related violence, including record numbers of explosions and shootings, often tied to second-generation migrant youth. Some suburbs now rank among the most dangerous areas in Europe. Despite the backlash, Social Democrat officials are confident the new approach will not alienate the party's newer, affluent urban supporters — voters it began attracting after the 2022 election, in part due to the collapse of the traditional center-right Moderates. 'I'm convinced of that,' said Attenius. 'But again, this requires a strict migration policy.' Attenius also issued an apology to migrants who had been concentrated in struggling districts. 'I'm sorry,' he said. 'Sorry for doing that. Now it is time for the whole of society to take over.'
