Much due to its free flow of commerce and loose rules, Marstrand became known as a stronghold of sin, especially among the clergy. There was some truth tin that since the Free Port's charter, in Gustav III's own words, stipulated that it was to be a safe haven for all manners of criminals. As long as their crime concerned no matters of "honour and life", they were afforded full legal protection. That caused a surge of debtors and other financial criminals moving into the Free Port who often brought with them their stolen profits. Upon arrival, the "refugees" received official certificates from the Council of Burghers, recording their transgression, and permission to reside on the island. Sometimes, employees of prominent herring trading houses would arrive in Marstrand while they carried a large sum of money intended for use in local investments, promptly signed up for a certificate and freely walked away with the funds.
