Found 178,000 Kronor in Mother-in-Law's Bookshelf – Riksbank Burns Them

A Swedish doctor's attempt to redeem nearly 178,000 Swedish kronor found in his late mother-in-law's Hungarian apartment has been rejected by both the Riksbank and administrative courts. Gyula Gál, a radiologist from Uppsala, discovered the cash in an unlocked cabinet in his 98-year-old mother-in-law's home after her passing in 2023. The money, accumulated over decades from funds Gál had sent to support her, consisted primarily of 1000-kronor notes featuring Gustav Vasa.

The significant sum was saved by his mother-in-law, who had received better exchange rates for the Swedish currency sent by Gál since 1986. Gál believes she likely forgot about the money in her later years due to her advanced age. However, the banknotes had expired, with the 1000-kronor notes being valid only until 2013, and others even earlier.

Gál's efforts to have the currency exchanged were met with refusal from the Riksbank. The central bank cited strict anti-money laundering regulations, requiring proof of the funds' origin. Despite Gál providing evidence of his pension and long medical career, he could not produce receipts or documentation proving he had withdrawn the money from a bank to send to Hungary. The administrative court upheld the Riksbank's decision, stating that the burden of proof lies with the claimant and that the passage of time does not negate this requirement.

Though disappointed and finding the situation unfair, the 70-year-old doctor stated he would survive without the money. He expressed frustration that the situation implies the funds might have illicit origins, which he firmly denies.