In 2019, SVT Nyheter och Uppdrag review was able to show, among other things, that MSB exaggerated the number of helicopters, and that the winning company Heliair sent in lists of pilots who would be available – but who in several cases were not asked or even wanted to fly for Heliair. (See fact box.)
The reactions were strong, SD called the deal “a scandal” and KD wanted it torn up.
Multiple processes
But that did not happen. Instead, in past years Heliair has been able to invoice MSB large sums – up to this spring over 160 million.
At the same time, SVT’s new review also shows that the company and its owners have appeared in a series of lawsuits, and have also been scrutinized for their tax payments.
In 2019, the owner had to pay a tax supplement, after the Swedish Tax Agency concluded that he had previously provided incorrect information about his income.
In the last two years, the company Heliair has also received remarks from its own accountant for not paying taxes and fees on time.
SVT’s information was not known to MSB.
– It was a new task for us, says Robert Wallen, head of the operational department at MSB.
No action
During the procurement, Heliair certified that it would fulfill its obligations regarding tax payments, but according to Wallen, the new information is not sufficient for MSB to act.
– These are not sufficient grounds for, for example, canceling the agreement.
At the same time, the review also shows that last year Heliair tried to change the terms of the agreement in a way that was rejected by MSB.
– In plain language, they wanted significantly higher compensation than the agreement we signed, says Robert Wallen (see video).
Heliair declines an interview, but has in other contexts denied that it had done anything wrong.