Former Danish Minister Henrik Sass Larsen is facing charges of possessing extensive child abuse material and a child sex doll. The charges have led to significant public attention and scrutiny.

Larsen, a prominent figure in Danish politics for many years, has stated that he downloaded the material after receiving a video clip in which he was sexually abused as a three-year-old. He claims his intention was to “find the culprits” involved in his own abuse.

Born on May 29, 1966, Larsen’s early life was marked by hardship. He grew up in a public housing estate and was forcibly removed from his home at the age of 12, subsequently being placed in a children’s home and later adopted. He studied at Roskilde University but did not complete his degree.

Larsen’s political career began at the age of 16 when he joined the Social Democratic Youth of Denmark, eventually becoming chairman of the youth party from 1992 to 1996. He served as a member of the Folketing (Parliament) for the Social Democrats from 2000 to 2019, holding positions such as political spokesman and group chairman. He also served as Minister for Business and Growth from 2013 to 2015.

In 2019, Larsen left the Folketing to become CEO of Aktive Ejere, an industry organization. He had been on sick leave and suffered from depression prior to this transition. On March 23, 2025, Aktive Ejere announced his resignation from the director position.