Prosecutor: It's about large quantities of moose meat

A total of four people are suspected of this. Three of them have been detained, including a Sollefteå resident in their 50s who is said to be the chief of the shepherd.

On Tuesday afternoon, he was released after almost four months in custody with restrictions, that is, without the possibility of contact with the outside world except with his lawyer.

The release was a setback for Chamber Prosecutor Lo Jonsson who asked for the man to remain in custody because of the danger of collusion - that is, the risk that he freely destroy evidence or otherwise complicate the matter's investigation, as it is called.

What happens now?

- The preliminary investigation into the case continues as before. But when there is no longer deadline, there is a risk that the investigation will expire on time. Now the matter is no longer a priority for the police or the district court, since no one is in custody anymore. And if I get new cases where people are being arrested they go ahead, says Lo Jonsson.

What is the Evidence Mode?

- The state of evidence is good. But with reference to the preliminary investigation confidentiality, I cannot go into details.

But is it about illegal handling of moose meat?

- Yes.

How large quantities? There has been talk of several hundred kilos?

- I don't go into more detail about the quantities involved. But there are large amounts, that's it.

Has the meat been resold?

- We think a great deal has been sold, yes.

According to information to SVT, there are suspicions that some of the moose meat has been sold to the restaurant industry.

In addition to the meat, several other seizures were made at the house search in Sollefteåbon's home this summer. Including hunting weapons.

When do you estimate that a prosecution decision could be made, at present?

- If the principal remained in the detention, we would have been ready in a couple of months maybe. Now there is a risk that it will take longer than that, says Lo Jonsson.

The penalty scale for serious hunting crime is prison from six months up to four years.