Nadjar Sheikho was sentenced in 2019 to seven years in prison for attempted murder, after stabbing a man in Köping. It was inside the Kumlaanstalten that he got the idea to open a new leisure center in central Köping.
– It was absolutely insane what happened in those years when I was inside. Children killing children. I don’t want to be a part of it.
Convicted criminals are mixed with young people
Bergslagsbladet/Arboga newspaper was the first to draw attention to the new leisure farm. It is run by a newly started association, and is not connected to the municipality or any other organization.
When SVT Nyheter Västmanland visits the premises, grown men hang out with 15-year-olds. The purpose, according to Nadjar Sheikho, is to give the young people role models and inspire them not to commit crimes.
– I believe that people can change. If I can, so can others.
Had 100,000 kroner in my jeans pocket
Six of the eight people who have been registered as members of the association behind the leisure center have been convicted of crimes in the last five years. It is about everything from drug crimes to illegal threats and money laundering.
Nadjar Sheikho claims he has left the crime scene. But in September, the Kronofogden seized SEK 100,000 in cash from him, notes that the police found rolled up in a jeans pocket when they searched the house. No one has been charged with a crime in connection with the find, but the Kronofogden has still been able to seize the money as payment of debts to crime victims.
– People had donated the money to me before the opening of this leisure park. I have the names and phone numbers of everyone who has contributed, says Nadjar Sheikho.
In the clip: “Zero tolerance for crime” – come along to the leisure center in Köping that is run by convicted criminals.
The police: “We follow the activity”