An investigative report in Sweden reveals how an Islamist network linked to the Muslim Brotherhood siphoned off an estimated $105 million in taxpayer funds by exploiting the country’s publicly funded “free schools” system.
The method was simple: establish privately run kindergartens and schools that receive full state funding per student, appoint family members and Islamist associates to management roles, and then redirect large sums through sports associations, religious nonprofits, and shell companies. Reports were inflated, money transfers were hidden, and funds meant for children were funneled into political and personal uses.
One of the most striking examples was the “Romussa” school network in Gothenburg, which received approximately $48 million in state funds. Its director, Abdirizak Waberi, was convicted of fraudulently extracting around $1.25 million using fake invoices. According to the investigation, money ended up financing, among other things, an Islamist political party in Somalia, luxury hotel stays, and even visits to sex clubs in Thailand—rather than improving education for Swedish students.
Several key figures in the network fled Sweden, leaving behind unpaid tax debts estimated at $3.5 million.