Norwegian government launches crackdown on illegal tourism activities in the north

Following an Økokrim alert that criminal networks are exploiting the tourism boom in northern Norway, the government introduced a suite of initiatives to curb illicit activity. The plan strengthens the police and Økokrim unit in Troms, introduces a law on investment control, creates an openness register and forms a preparedness and security task force. Minister Cecilie Myrseth stressed that there is no room for “cowboy” operators in the industry. Økokrim chief Pål K. Lønseth pointed out that northern-lights tours are frequently marketed from Brazil, Germany and China, with payments sent to foreign firms while the services are delivered locally, a sign of money-laundering and tax evasion. The measures aim to protect tax revenues and enforce proper labor standards in the growing sector.