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In February, GP launched a Front Advokater investigation and has published several articles on alleged wrongdoing at the large law firm that has been the main provider of laws for the city of Gothenburg.
The main criticism, from the law firm’s employees, was that the firm’s management would have put in place systems to charge for time not worked.
But the purchasing administration has considered, until Wednesday, that the deficiencies were not serious enough to terminate the framework agreements, which expire last October.
– In recent days, several people have stated that they are willing to testify about what they know. This means that we now have a different situation than the written information and anonymous information that we previously had, explains Henrik Karlsson, Managing Director of the Procurement and Procurement Administration.
What is the information about?
– Billing for services that have not been performed, responds Henrik Karlsson.
How is it related to the concept of fraud?
– It’s one thing for law enforcement authorities to assess. We have only proceeded to rescind the agreements with immediate effect. Our assessment is that they were charged for hours not performed. There is a basis for repayment, says Henrik Karlsson.
Former Employee: Agency Partners Know
On Thursday, GP posted an interview with attorney Jonas Wahlbom, a former Front employee.
In it, he states that all agency partners were aware that overcharges were occurring and that this was being done to achieve profitability.
Henrik Karlsson claims that Jonas Wahlbom is one of the people purchasing management has spoken to in recent days.
– We have spoken with Jonas Wahlbom and we have had meetings with other people in the last few days and we have checked who they are and what they have to say. We trust the information we have received, says Henrik Karlsson.
He does not want to reveal the identity of the other people who have contacted the administration in recent days, but notes that they have declared themselves willing to testify about their experiences and observations about the law firm.
– If they testify, of course they will be public, says Henrik Karlsson.
Front Advokater declined to comment Wednesday afternoon:
– We refuse to comment. We just got the decision, says Bob Lee, CEO of Front Advokater.
The framework agreements with Front Advokater apply to administrations and companies in the municipality of Gothenburg, but also to various surrounding municipalities around Gothenburg. This is because the Purchasing and Procurement Administration functions as a regional purchasing center.
Wednesday’s decision on immediate cancellation was made by managing director Henrik Karlsson, who has the right to make such decisions, by delegation of politicians to the Purchasing and Procurement Committee.
– This means that new assignments cannot be published in Front. Each client must decide what it will be like with ongoing assignments, says Henrik Karlsson.
READ MORE: Incorrect billing in Front shows investigation
READ MORE: Former lead attorney: The set of times was known throughout the firm.
READ MORE: After GP review, Front CEO Roland Adrell resigns
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