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I'm a ~700 hour instrument rated private pilot. The article does not say what level his valid licence had reached - whether ultralight, private, or even a commercial licence with multi-engine & instrument ratings. Regardless, he would have received training all along the way (either at his expense or his employers) as he upgraded from single engine trainers to high performance singles to twins to turbines and ultimately to transport category aircraft. Like most professional pilots he is probably bright and learned as much from books and simulators as he did actually flying.

He probaly landed a job requiring an ATPL (airline transport pilot licence), and when he had to show up for work was still lacking the "official" document - maybe he hadn't finished all the 1500 hours required, hadn't written or flown the test yet, or something - but he knew he could "do" the job so he modified his pilot licence document. Now he has 10,000 hours, probably many as "pilot in command."

IIt's too bad he took a short cut. Now Sweden has an incorrectly licenced but well trained & experienced pilot to deal with. I expect Swedish air law will require a hefty fine and a suspension (perhaps revocation) of the licence he does have. However, after an appropriate time out of the cockpit, let him write & fly all the appropriate written & flight tests and upgrade his licence.

He should at least be able to qualify for a commercial licence so he can start at the bottom again. Passengers would likely be safer with him in the left seat than with a newly minted ATPL pilot with only 1500 hours.