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Ex-ABB head Barnevik cleared of sex crime allegations

Published: 29 Jun 12 10:04 CET | Print version
Updated: 3 Oct 12 18:24 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/41728/20120629/

Percy Barnevik, the former head of Swedish-Swiss industrial giant ABB and one of Sweden's most well-known business figures, was arrested in London on June 28th on suspicions of committing sex crimes.

Barnevik, 71, was subsequently released on bail and called the accusations "baseless".

"They come from a woman who is stalking me," Barnevik told the Expressen newspaper at the time.

"She's a crazy woman, but nothing to be concerned about."

On October 3rd, police in London confirmed for the TT news agency that the investigation into the allegations had been dropped.

"Interviews have been completed and the police will not go forward with the case," police in London wrote in an email.

The Swedish businessman, who hails from Simrishamn in southern Sweden and has made his home in London for several years, was placed under in June arrest following a previously scheduled meeting at a London police station in order to learn more about the accusations against him.

Police in London confirmed that the 71-year-old Swedish citizen had been arrested based on "sexual allegations" stemming from an incident that allegedly took place in April this year.

"These are allegations, plural, about sex crimes. It can include a number of different sex offences, but doesn't include rape," a Scotland Yard spokesperson explained to the Aftonbladet newspaper at the time of Barnevik's arrest.

Police are refusing to release many details about the accusations against Barnevik, who was head of Swedish industrial firm Asea in the early 1980s before continuing as head of ABB until 1996 after the Swedish firm merged Swiss Brown, Boveri & Cie in 1988.

Barnevik was also a member of the board of directors for US automaker General Motors and Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticals giant Astra Zeneca, and chaired the board of the Wallenberg family holding company Investor from 1997 to 2002.

Officials with the Metropolitan Police emphasized that "only allegations" were filed against Barnevik, who was immediately released on bail.

Throughout the entire ordeal, the Swedish businessman maintained that the sex crime claims were a fabrication.

"They are simply fake. If you are a public figure, these sorts of things can happen. It happens all the time," he told Expressen.

"It's part of a campaign by a person who is out to get me. As a public figure, you have to deal with people who want money and influence."

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11:10 June 29, 2012 by Abe L
Never understood why someone gets arrested on this based on allegations without any kind of evidence. It's a broken legal system if person A can claim person B commit crime X which then results in person B getting arrested.
11:13 June 29, 2012 by Dave N
Well, he can always claim asylum at the Equador embassy.
11:21 June 29, 2012 by robban70226
terrible!!! will see how it goes
12:15 June 29, 2012 by philster61
Welcome to Sweden. if you're a man, good luck.....
12:42 June 29, 2012 by rolfkrohna
This is now a new world industry, any woman can accuse any man for sex crimes, for extortion, revenge, or just plain pleasure. They have a preference for wealthy and famous men, more money, and more damages. It is just not Sweden. It is a new variation on the "oldest profession". The risk is nothing, if found out the woman get a couple of hours community service, while the man if not able to prove himself innocent can get 15 years in some places. Lawmakers and authorities, WAKE UP!!!!
10:10 June 30, 2012 by VoodooDingy
Rape accusations - still the best way of putting someone out of business...

philster61 has a point there:

You can have consensual sex in Sweden. You're enjoying it to the fullest and everything is fine. Next morning you're having a bad conscience about it and you're getting mad at yourself. So what are you gonna do? Blame someone else of course, no? Why should you take responsibility for your own weakness? So you decide to press charges - voila! The legend of postcoidal rape is born!
11:43 June 30, 2012 by muscle
use a hand! so much safe!
04:45 July 1, 2012 by Eric1
If a man made the same charge would his name be protected and the woman arrested?
22:32 July 1, 2012 by manfred5
What if Barnevik did assault the woman sexually?

I believe that he is very capable of doing this. I'm following his case for many years and was shocked how abusive he was helping himself with 148 million Swiss Francs from ABB ten years ago. I saw him live several times at shareholder meetings etc. and believe that Barnevik has a God complex. He believes that he is invincible and that he can conquest anything and anybody that he wants - he believes that nobody can resist him. He is an amazing manipulator. Once he sets his eyes on something, nothing will stop him, he loves the challenge - the bigger the better. And he normally succeeds. What if this lady became his challenge and was not willing? I wouldn't be surprised, if he forced his way...like he did in other matters.
16:28 July 13, 2012 by pamern
Barnevik is a ruthless manipulator. See the way he abused the trust vested in him at ABB. A lot of guys in his position think that they are irresistible and that they deserve it all. I'd like to know more, hearing the lady's side. I'm sure once the truth comes out he will look real bad. Maybe for once all his powerful friends will not be able to cover up for him and bail him out. I hope at last some justice will be done.
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