Four Officers at Swedish Life Guards Accused of Sexual Assault and Rape
The Swedish Life Guards (Livgardet) in Stockholm are reeling from one of the most severe scandals in the regiment’s history, following reports that four officers have been accused of sexual harassment and suspected rape.
Approximately ten women, including both employees and female conscripts, have filed reports alleging a pattern of abuse. According to allegations of rape within the Life Guards, the abuse occurred over a prolonged period, with some instances described as particularly severe.
The reports suggest a predatory pattern in which the four officers reported for sexual abuse allegedly used chat platforms to select their victims. The accused are said to have mapped out the appearance and perceived vulnerabilities of young women, acting in a manner described as “wolves hunting.”
Victims have indicated that they were previously afraid to come forward due to the inherent power imbalance and a fear of professional retaliation. The military police were reportedly first alerted to the abuse through an auditor serving as a legal advisor within the Swedish Armed Forces.
The fallout from the investigation has already led to two of the officers resigning from their positions. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the protection of subordinates within military hierarchies and the challenges of reporting abuse in high-pressure environments.
Regiment Commander Colonel Gustaf Dufberg expressed intense anger over the reports. In a reaction to the accusations, Dufberg stated, “This is absolute hell. I am damn furious about this.”
The scandal emerges as the regiment prepares for high-profile duties on April 30, 2026, during the celebrations for King Carl Gustaf’s 80th birthday, where the Life Guards are tasked with honoring and protecting the royal family.
Further investigations are ongoing as more officers at the Life Guards are reported for their involvement in sexual abuse.
