Women Behind the Scenes: The ‘Fishers’ Hunting Predators for Dumpen
Women operating under fake identities are spending their days chatting with suspected pedophiles to gather evidence, a grueling process that has led the organization Dumpen to implement mental health support for its operatives to cope with the psychological toll of the work.
These women, referred to internally as “fishers,” engage in undercover operations to lure predators into revealing their intentions. According to Matina and another operative known as “Lisa,” the process involves creating believable fake personas to attract targets. Matina noted that targets often discover them quickly, regardless of the persona used, mentioning that a profile named “newly awake mom” would frequently result in immediate contact.
The organization employs its own specific terminology to describe its operations. The term “pikes” (gäddor) is used to refer to the pedophiles, while a “bite” (napp) occurs when a target is successfully caught. Founder Sara Nilsson explained that the terminology began with a reference to an “old pike” during an early publication and eventually became part of the group’s internal lexicon.
Because the work involves constant exposure to “the great darkness” and potential threats, the organization recently held a social retreat in Stockholm. The weekend included hotel stays and group dinners designed to encourage and support the women. Nilsson clarified that this event was funded by a private individual rather than through public donations or Swish payments.
This undercover effort highlights the precarious balance between vigilante-style evidence gathering and legal boundaries. The organization has faced significant legal scrutiny; on February 6, 2026, publisher Sara Nilsson was convicted of gross defamation, a ruling she subsequently appealed.
The group’s methods have also sparked political and ethical debates. Jimmie Åkesson and the Sweden Democrats have provided financial support, including paying for legal costs, with Åkesson stating that the site performs a role that society has otherwise failed to fulfill. However, critics argue the approach is dangerous. Martina Montelius has described the methods as “completely irresponsible,” suggesting that such tactics do not necessarily protect children and can lead to the devastation of innocent relatives’ lives.
Despite the controversy, the organization continues its operations. Recent reports indicate their efforts have led to real-world consequences, including the arrest of a former Social Democratic politician on March 19, 2026, and the indictment of a police inspector for sexual abuse on February 26, 2026, after the officer had been confronted by the group.
