Today sees the opening of the so-called “illegal-labor racket” trial...
...in which a 53-year-old man is facing charges of human trafficking and tax evasion.
The man ran a staffing agency in the cleaning sector..
...used by a number of well-known companies in southern Sweden.
Our reporter is outside the Ystad police station.
We're waiting for a press conference on the so-called “illegal-labor racket” trial.
A 53-year-old man is facing charges of human trafficking and tax evasion.
The man ran a staffing agency in the cleaning sector..
...used by a number of well-known companies in southern Sweden.
The biggest sensation is the revelation...
...that local councils and government agencies are among the clients.
The cleaners, who have been in the country illegally...
...have been working nights under almost slave-like conditions.
Sometimes seven nights in a row...
...for wages of hardly 35 kronor an hour.
Yes, you can compare it with trafficking.
These are already vulnerable people who have been brought here and exploited.
Kurt Wallander, are there any links to organized crime?
Not that we can link to this prosecution.
Ystad is one of the councils that procured services from the defendant.
Perhaps Lennart Sylwan would like to comment?
Well, as I've said, we had no reason to suspect anything...
...when we signed a contract with this firm.
Procurement, contract...
Everything was carefully examined by our lawyers...
...and this will also be closely examined in the trial.
- Yes, of course, but... - Let me also add...
...that we in the council, not least myself, are happy...
...and relieved to finally put an end to all the suspicions...
...about our participation in this slavery.
Yes, naturally we're feeling tense about tomorrow.
What do you think? They have a strong case.
There's lots of evidence...
...and witness testimonies from the employees...
.50 we should win this one.
- Good. Good luck! - Thanks.
- Let's be in touch. - Sure. Bye.
Right. I've got to go to court.
I wonder if he'd have come...
...if we'd charged more people.
What do you mean?
Him, for instance.
As council commissioner...
...he's got ultimate responsibility for the council's cleaning operations.
And, of course, he hadn't the slightest idea about the cleaners working illegally.
It just happened to cost half of what a normal cleaning company would have.
I know. It's awful.
What's the time?
Oh, no, I'm late again!
Listen, I need some fresh air.
Give me the keys. I'll get the car.
Kurt!
- Thanks. - Yeah, yeah. Thanks.
HENNING MANKELL'S WALLANDER SERIES THE WITNESS
Kurt?
How are you?
There's nothing wrong with you, at least.
You were knocked out by the blast.
You were incredibly lucky.
- Martinsson? - What are you doing?
- Do they know anything? - No, not yet.
But, Kurt...
I've got to get to the station.
What? Kurt! You can't just...
Lie down. They said you've got to rest.
Yes, I know.
But please, Katarina, can't you call?
It was me they were after.
Yes, I know.
There are people out there who don't want this trial to go ahead.
But it will...
won't it?
Wait. Where are you going? You can't walk out just like that.
Have I been forcibly incarcerated?
- No, but we have our procedures. - Good.
You're out of your mind.
Wallander!
Rumour has it you were injured in the bomb blast. Can we have a comment?
What consequences will this have?
Will you be going through with the trial against Filip Pasalic?
The trial will not be affected by this event.
It will open tomorrow, exactly as planned.
We've got no witnesses who saw anything, and no one noticed anything around the car.
But I want a list of everyone who's had contact with Filip Pasalic in his cell.
I've already checked up on that.
The only people he's met are his wife, son and lawyer.
He won't get any more than a few years for this illegal worker stuff...
...but if it comes out that he's behind the bomb, he could go down for life.
Why would he risk it?
Pasalic could get three years if he's convicted on all charges.
The illegal-labor racket is the only thing I can pin on him now...
...but if I succeed, I hope that more people will dare to step forward and testify...
...and then we're looking at conspiracy to murder, abduction, blackmail, and fraud.
And Filip knows that. That's why he takes the risk.
Nyberg, what's he saying?
He's working on it. They've taken the car to the garage.
Right. And protection for Katarina?
I've fixed that up.
Let's get this bomber.
We'll go through the investigation one more time.
I'll leave that with you, Martinsson.
How are you?
When we get hold of this bomber...
...Filip Pasalic will end up in Kumla prison for the rest of his life.
I asked how you were.
I'm fine... when I think about it.
WELCOME TO REEKO WASTE AND RECYCLING PLANT
- Well, here it is. - Yes.
AK 630 multi-4, the latest model.
As soon as we've got it in place, we can give it a test run.
I see. Good.
To be sure of a certificate...
...you must have it commissioned by the end of the month.
That's pushing it.
We might need time for installation and...
Well, then we might have a problem.
I was talking to Brussels earlier...
...and they made it clear that more councils have applied for this subsidy package.
- Apparently they've gotten pretty far. - Why haven't we heard this before?
Our calculation is based on our getting the contract for all waste collection in the region.
- You've promised us... - Of course.
It came as a cold shower for me too.
But if we're not under way when we promised...
...the environmental certificate might go to someone else...
...as will that 20 million.
Right, and this building will also be ready soon, I understand?
Yes, this is where the new waste disposer will stand.
It doesn't seem to me as if much is happening.
Don't worry. If I say we'll be ready in time, we will.
Good.
Listen, our man in Brussels would like to come by with his people.
- To have a little look around. - Really?
Would that be OK? Friday, maybe?
Of course.
The bomb, it was rather rudimentary. Placed under the engine.
Do we know anything about who did it?
No, but what's interesting...
...is that it seems the bomb was made just for the bang.
It was just a detonator and a little powder.
So what you felt was a shock wave.
So a warning shot?
Yes.
Just a frightener?
Is that meant to reassure me?
- How are you? - OK, I guess.
At least, bearing in mind that someone wants to blow me up.
Who wants to blow you up? Is that why that guard is outside?
- You said it was all OK. - Sweetheart...
Why do they want to kill you?
- Nobody wants to kill me. - You're lying!
What should I do with the kids?
Are they also in danger?
Should they also have police protection?
I guess I can arrange some protection...
...but they probably won't be able to go to school, as it'll be harder to protect them there.
Yesterday morning...
...a bomb was placed under prosecutor Katarina Ahlsell's car.
My client has had full restrictions imposed on him.
So he has no knowledge of any car bomb.
You're taking a hell of a risk, Filip Pasalic.
Are you prepared to take the consequences of this?
I can tell that this isn't a formal interview, so I suggest that we call it a day.
No, I'd like to say something.
How is Katarina?
I understand that you're upset.
I mean, you're colleagues.
Friends.
That was obvious during the remand proceedings.
But you're forgetting something.
What you're trying to frame me for is totally unreasonable.
I've been here, haven't I?
You can be damn sure of one thing.
I'm going to nail the person or persons you paid to do this.
My client has been inside for a good while now.
You have no proof, and he has his alibi.
May I ask you something?
How do you sleep at night?
I have no problem sleeping. Quite the opposite.
Your family, how do they sleep?
What the fuck do you mean by that?
Your son...
Isn't he worried about you? What will happen?
Doesn't he ask you why you're here?
Sleep well.
Zoran!
- How's it going? - Good.
It's like this: you have to finish earlier.
This week.
- Can you manage that? -we'll have to try, but...
If it means extra costs, we'll have to take that.
Well, OK. we'll give it a shot.
That's not good enough, I'm afraid. You've got to be finished this week.
Otherwise, I'll have to find another solution.
In that case, we will.
Good. Thanks. That's that then.
I can't stay.
OK, that's all right.
I'll come...
...when we have a break.
OK.
I'll come later.
I'll figure it out.
Two weeks.
Yes, really, it'll be fine.
Zoran?
They're such fucking slackers.
I'll come out. I'll just go and put something on.
Come on. Good boy.
It's for the best. I know it.
It's easy to be strong yourself...
.but have to think of them, you know.
I can't subject them to this.
Do they want to go?
No. Not without me.
They're worried, of course, and angry.
They're taking the last plane...
.50 Henrik will meet them at Arlanda.
And you?
I'll stay here and do my job.
If we don't have the guts to stand up and be counted, who will?
- Bye. - Bye, sweetheart.
Bye, Mom.
- Call when you get home. - Yes.
Elias.
There.
- Good morning. - Good morning.
Here is the news.
Not only Skdne, but the entire country...
.15 expressing its support for prosecutor Katarina Ahlsell..
...who is opening the trial today in the so-called “illegal-labor racket”...
...despite yesterday's car bomb.
This is what Lennart Sylwan...
...Ystad council commissioner, said about the event.
“This is an attack, not only on our legal system...
...“but also on our entire Swedish democracy.
“This is why this trial is so very important.
“It will set a precedent for our future society...
...“and, in globalized times such as these / can't..”
The prosecution's first witness, Yusef Amir, please.
Yusef Amir to court 4.
The witness has been called, but he has not shown.
How would the prosecutor like to proceed?
We will withdraw the witness and move on.
Yes?
A customs official has turned up with a little girl.
- She's waiting in reception. - see.
- But can't Martinsson deal with it? - No. You have to come.
Nice doggy.
What's your name?
Jussi.
Lithuania?
Natalia.
STOREROOM
I"m sorry, but that's what she says.
She says that her brother Jonas disappeared here and that he's dead.
And she says something I don't really get.
Rako something...
Rako? Could it be a name or a slang word?
Not that I know of.
Where are her parents?
She refuses to answer that question.
Rako.
Rako?
Where are you going?
Let her out, please.
Rako.
Reeko.
Come on. In we go...
Natalia!
Send some men to look for her.
She's gone. What the hell's going on?
And make sure they keep an eye on the port and the railway station.
Hi. It's Martinsson.
We have to send more cars up here to Reeko. The girl's vanished.
Fahrad Shabas to court 4.
When you were working for the defendant a shift would last for 15 hours.
Is that true?
No.
- It's not true? - No.
We didn't work for long. Mostly a little.
But you have told the police, on record...
...that you and others worked 15 hours in one go without a break.
No.
I remembered wrong.
You mean that you're taking back your earlier witness statement?
I tell you what I remember.
Everything was really good.
“Really good?”
No more questions.
You look in this area.
She ran off in that direction. So look over there.
...and then she was gone.
Yes. We've got men down here. Yes.
I employ a staffing agency for a building job.
I think they have staff from the Baltic states.
Why?
You wouldn't happen to know if someone had a little sister with them...
...who was eight to ten years old?
- From Lithuania? - No.
What staffing agency is it?
Well, they're not illegal workers, if that's what you think.
- They're a serious company. - Called?
Novak Bemanning.
Do you have a number or a name we can...
Of course.
Let's see.
Novak Bemanning came up in the Filip Pasalic investigation.
Zoran Popov, who runs Novak...
...has worked with Filip Pasalic.
Kurt Wallander. Ystad Police.
Right. Hi. Zoran Popov.
Down, boy.
Thanks.
You work for a company called Reeko, right?
Yes, we're helping out with an extension project there.
Baltic guys, right?
Yes, and they're here legally and have good working conditions.
And you've worked for a guy called Filip Pasalic?
Yes.
You helped him bring his workers over here.
Yes. Sure. That's right.
I billed him 20,000 for consultancy costs.
Everything was by the books.
You can check my accounts if you want.
Do you know any friends of his?
Is that why you're here? To check if I know Filip's criminal friends?
No. We're looking for a guy of Lithuanian origin called Jonas.
Jonas?
Is that someone you know?
Should 1?
I was wondering if you'd worked together.
No, I know no one called Jonas.
Can we have your crew lists?
Yes, yes. Sure. Of course.
Excuse me.
Let's see then. These are the ones working on the extension.
That's all right. You can bring it over here.
So Jonas is here with his little sister, who's eight or nine years old.
And we believe that something might have happened to him.
Thank you.
- Thanks. - Bye.
- Hi, how's it going? - Hi. Just fine.
And sure enough, Zoran Popov features in the investigation.
He was a consultant for Filip Pasalic, as he said.
But then I found this from the Passport Police...
...saying that they traveled to Lithuania together two months ago.
Then I called around a little...
...and found out that they stayed at the Rival Hotel in Vilnius for a week...
...and then they came back home again.
Keep it up.
- Svartman, anything new on the girl? - No, nothing new.
Listen, try to get an artist over here.
Good.
How did it go?
Two witnesses didn't show, and one withdrew everything he had told us.
He “remembered wrong.”
And there's that fucking Filip sitting there grinning.
And there's me looking like an idiot.
If I thought I'd get somewhere by putting pressure on the witnesses...
...would.
- You don't think it's a good idea, do you? - They're too scared.
What do you know about Zoran?
He worked with Filip a few years ago.
We've tried to get him to testify.
But he didn't want to do it.
Unfortunately. I think he had a lot to tell.
What is it? Has he changed his mind?
No, but maybe we"d be able to talk him into it.
Could you?
Testify, I mean.
You're getting desperate.
It wouldn't have a direct impact on the evidence.
No, but an indirect one.
Right? You led the raid and all the interviews.
I must have someone who can testify to what was said in the interview room.
When do you want me?
When did you say they were arriving at Sturup?
Yes. Six of them?
I'll look forward to seeing you. Yes.
I'll see you then.
Yes. Thanks, Lennart.
Bye.
Zoran?
The police were here before. Have they contacted you?
Yes, that's right. They wanted to see some papers.
Just routine work, I guess.
They said something about a little girl.
- Do you know something about that? - No, I know nothing about that.
- Do you? - No. What's it got to do with us?
- I assume everything's under control? - Yes, sure.
- And you're on time? - Yes, of course.
I have to do a little shuffling of the crew, but there's no problem.
No, I certainly hope not. You know what's at stake.
- If you're not ready this week... - We'll be ready.
Good.
Come on, Jussi. Let's go home.
- Hi. - Hi.
This is that girl.
So if you just keep an eye out for her...
- Call me if you happen to see her. - Sure.
- So the search gave us nothing? - No, I'm afraid not.
- What should we do? - We have to keep looking.
And I intend to go to Reeko.
Something happened there that frightened the girl.
Like what?
I don't know.
But I'm convinced that her brother has worked there...
...and that Zoran's lying when he denies it.
Crew lists are easy to forge.
We have to get at Zoran...
.80 we can squeeze out of him everything he knows about Filip.
Wallander's here again.
- What does he want? - I don't know.
What do you want?
Id like to have a look around.
You'll have to come back later. It's not a good time right now.
If you just let me in, I can look after myself.
Like I said, you'll have to come back later.
Zoran Popov, is he here?
Maybe you didn't understand what I said. You can't just walk in here.
- Not without permission. - You mean permission from you?
- Wallander? - Hi, there.
You wanted to speak to one of our suppliers.
- You'll manage on your own, am I right? - Yes, sure.
See you.
We know that Filip Pasalic and you...
...went on a cruise to Poland together.
Pure coincidence.
And then that you took the train to Lithuania.
- Was that also a coincidence? - Come on.
I think you know quite a lot about what Filip gets up to.
- Why won't you testify? - What are you trying to say?
What I'm trying to say...
...is that something happened at your site...
...that has something to do with the girl.
What girl?
You know what I'm talking about.
More salad?
There you go.
From my client.
What's this?
Stay.
For services rendered, I guess.
What the hell? There's only 30,000 here.
- I was promised more! - I know nothing about that.
The car bomb.
I see, OK.
If they get the one who did this, what would happen, legally speaking?
Causing widespread damage and danger to the public...
...attempted murder of a police officer...
If the one who did that were arrested, he'd get life, probably.
If it came out that someone had ordered the job...
...would the sentence be reduced?
Look, I was made to do this.
You are really alone when it comes to knowing about that car bomb.
Very much alone.
But let me give you some advice as a lawyer.
Don't talk.
No.
Kurt Wallander is going to nail me.
Then everything about your client will come out.
- Wallander's got fuck all to go on. - It's not just the car bomb.
- Other things have happened. - Can he prove it?
Look, I want more money. I'm thinking of disappearing.
Can he?
No, not yet.
Then you solve your problems without involving my client.
I want more money. I won't be able to fix this otherwise.
Do you really think blackmail will get you somewhere?
If you've made your mind up to talk to the police about my client...
...because you think it'll help your situation, then you're wrong.
The only one who'll suffer from it is you.
No one else.
Kurt Wallander's your problem.
So we've got...
...the interview transcription with recordings.
- Are you sure the lawyer had access to all of this? - Yes.
And then there are the photos from the raid.
Hello?
Sorry.
The kids just called.
- Are they missing home? - Home?
They don't want to come back.
Henrik wants to sign them up at their old school.
They never wanted this. You know, I was the one who...
I don't know.
I don't know anything anymore.
All I know is that I have to go through with this trial and I'm terrified.
Then they got what they wanted.
A scared prosecutor.
Well, of course, I'm scared.
'M scared of dying in front of my children.
I've got a life outside work that means something to me.
Yes, well...
Are you never scared of dying?
Of dying alone.
Are you thinking of her? That little girl?
Of course.
I think of her all the time.
Wait. You have to wait. Wait for me, OK?
Don't be so impatient. What?
OK, we're going. We're going...
I'll just...
What is it? Calm down, Jussi.
What?
What is it?
Jussi?
Calling Kurt Wallander to court 4.
Kurt Wallander to court 4.
Should we move on?
No.
I must ask for a brief recess.
He has an open fracture on one leg...
...and we suspect some internal injuries.
- We can try to operate, but... - Well, then let's do it.
You must be prepared that it won't be cheap.
And that we can't guarantee anything.
No, no. I understand.
Thanks.
When did it happen?
Thanks.
- Can you give us a statement? - No!
But surely you can confirm that it was an attack on you...
...because you're going to testify in the “illegal-labor racket” trial?
I can confirm that I"m here to do my job.
Can you respect that?
I'm not going to ask.
No. They're going to operate on him.
They'll call when they know the outcome.
Whether it went well or...
I"m sorry.
I've been worried about you too. I have.
But with Jussi, it's some kind of...
It's special. It's different.
Ebba, I know.
Well? Anything to tell me?
You've got to get police protection.
- Anything to tell me about? - You've got to get police protection.
This time they were out to kill. Do you understand?
No, I know nothing more.
You'll have to get back to me later.
If you get personal protection.
And the sample from Reeko?
The stain on the ground.
- Was it blood? - No.
Drop that lead now.
Yes, I understand.
But I'd be grateful if you could help me with this...
...because I don't really have time for it.
Yes, but if you get over here, we can talk about it.
Bye.
How is it?
Good. I'll survive.
Jussi?
They...
They don't know.
Right... Are you done for the day?
Yes. Or no, to be more precise.
The Swedish government has paid over 12,000 kronor...
...for airplane tickets for two witnesses from Lithuania who never showed up.
And I ended up fighting with the defense...
...who were questioning the value of your testimony.
That's understandable.
Come on. So what do you want me to do?
No one's daring to step forward and testify.
And they want to stop you.
The judge says we'll probably need a retrial.
But, hell, that's good.
That'll enable us to work on Zoran...
...and get him to testify, and then the others will join him.
That's great, isn't it?
Kurt?
I don't know if I can go through it again.
I don't think I can.
OK. Good. Thanks for telling me.
I was just at the site.
Why aren't you there? You're the construction manager.
If we're going to be finished this week as promised...
It'll be finished.
- It didn't look like it. - It'll get finished if you stop interfering!
Don't you raise your voice to me.
I pay you, and I interfere as much I want to.
There's been an accident. Do you want to hear all the details?
That's your responsibility, not mine.
You've got insurance.
What do you mean, “not my responsibility”?
So why aren't you using a Swedish building company?
To build your precious building?
No, because you want it done on the cheap.
That was your only thought. And that means no insurance.
- Yes, Kurt. - Urban here.
Listen, some passengers on the Poland ferry have seen a little girl in the harbor.
- What was she wearing? - A blue coat, they thought.
I'll be there in a few minutes.
- Hi. - Hi. She's over there.
- Where? Where is she? - Behind all that.
Out!
Come on!
- Did you see her? - No.
But stay here in case she turns up again.
- Sure thing. - Good.
Seek!
Shit!
Drop!
What the...
Fuck!
Fucking shit!
Fuck!
Excuse me.
What's this?
A little token of my boundless admiration!
Thanks!
Our man in Brussels called.
And he said that if you meet all the requirements...
...the certificate...
...and not least the 20 million...
...dlre ours.
Thanks.
- It's not really... - No, but it will be, you see.
Cheers!
- Thanks. Bye. - Thank you. Have a good day.
- I'd like a pack of Pringles. - Green?
“Strandv...
..."9."
Come in.
I've decided to quit.
The trial's been postponed until they find someone who can replace me.
When did you make up your mind?
Today.
What's the point?
I understand the witnesses that pull out.
They get no protection!
We have a legal system that just doesn't work.
You could have died today. Do you realize that?
Yes, but I didn't. I'm standing here, in front of you.
I'm moving back to Stockholm.
I've handed in my resignation, with immediate effect.
So you're leaving.
- You're leaving. - I want to be with my kids.
Stay there and sit still!
Martinsson?
Can you send backup?
- No! - Yes, come on.
This way. There. Go.
No!
Come on!
Silence!
Now walk.
Walk, I said.
You don't need to be afraid.
Please, just walk.
Sorry.
Zoran?
What is all this?
What are you doing? Who's that?
Jesus, she saw it.
- What are you talking about? - The accident.
- What fucking accident? - Two people died.
I tried to tell you!
And she's a witness.
Don't move!
But this is crazy. You can't just shoot her!
What the hell am I supposed to do about it?
Call the police, or what?
Or maybe you're going to pay life insurance to the family...
...out of your own pocket.
I know you.
You'll just say it was my fault.
For Christ's sake, Zoran. Get a grip! She's just a kid!
Just calm down. Give that to me.
Stop!
No.
I'll get my certificate and you get lost.
So don't do anything stupid, all right?
Now give that to me.
Give that to me now.
Drop the gun!
Zoran, she's just a child.
An innocent child.
Let her go.
Jesus Christ, Zoran.
Let's do a deal.
With God, if you believe in him.
Or with me.
I'm on your side.
No one else can help you.
Give me Filip Pasalic.
Tell us everything about his business affairs.
And I'll help you.
You have my word.
I won't be staying long.
I just wanted to come and say good-bye and...
...congratulations.
Thanks.
How's Jussi?
Fine.
They're keeping him there overnight.
You've done a fantastic job. Single-handed.
Zoran has testified against Filip and now finally he'll be convicted.
Thanks.
- You must be exhausted. - It's all right.
I've got no other life, so...
Sorry. Look, I didn't mean it like that.
No, it's OK.
And it's true, I'm afraid.
And if you had one?
One what?
Another life.
Could you?
I don't know.
Maybe.
Because then I'd be able to feel just how tired I am of all this shit.
- So when are you leaving? - Tomorrow.
Everything packed and ready?
Packed and ready.
So who will I drink this bottle with?
You'll have to come up to Stockholm.
Sorry.
- Kurt, we've got a problem. - They're putting her on a train.
They can't put her on a train on her own!
If the family lives in Stockholm, someone will have to accompany her.
Who? Who are we talking about?
Natalia. The girl.
Social services have found her a foster family.
In Stockholm. But they don't have the resources to go with her.
But, I can accompany her.
What? Are you going to Stockholm?
When?
Today.
OK. To do what?
No idea.
I"m sure I'll find something to do.
So when are you coming back?
No idea.
Right, Ebba.
- We're off. - We're...
- Yes. -..off.
- No, look! - Here comes Jussi.
Jussi!
- What? - Oh, dear.
- Come here. - Hey there, boy.
His paw's a bit sore there.
.