A high-ranking official at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has been arrested and detained on suspicion of engaging in serious acts of corruption, including gross bribery and fraud.

The allegations involve the misappropriation of tens of millions of kronor over a nearly three-year span, from February 2021 to the end of 2023. The suspected criminal activities took place both in Stockholm and in a central African country, which received nearly one billion kronor in aid from Sweden this year alone.

The investigation was triggered by an internal audit at Sida, followed by a formal police report.

Prosecutors hint at the possibility of more suspects being implicated as the investigation widens.