In a bid to stem the tide of Sweden’s escalating gang crime problem, Nordic countries are intensifying their police cooperation and establishing a hub in Stockholm. This joint effort aims to prevent the spread of violence and criminal networks from Sweden to Norway, Finland, and Denmark.
The decision follows a significant rise in incidents involving Swedish gangs in Denmark. This year, 10 Swedes, over half of them minors, have been charged in Denmark with attempted murder or weapons possession, sparking alarm and harsh criticism. In response, Sweden and Denmark will station police officers in each other’s countries, facilitating real-time information sharing. This collaboration aims to identify vulnerable children and young people at risk of being drawn into criminal networks and intervene early to prevent their involvement.
Furthermore, a Nordic police hub, comprised of officers from Finland, Norway, and Denmark, will be set up in Stockholm. Norwegian and Finnish officers are already present, with Danish officers joining in the coming weeks. The move underscores the growing concern about the reach of Swedish gangs, which have been hired by Danish gangs to carry out violent attacks on rivals.
Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard highlighted the alarming trend, stating that there have been 25 instances of Swedish gang members being employed for violent attacks since April. He labelled them “child soldiers” and criticized Sweden’s “sick” culture of violence, emphasizing that it is not welcome in Denmark.
The situation has also raised concerns about the impact of Sweden’s immigration policies on the Nordic region. Hummelgaard asserted that Denmark, along with other Nordic countries, is facing the consequences of Sweden’s long-standing immigration and legal policies.
Sweden has historically implemented some of the most generous immigration policies in the Western world, but in recent years, it has tightened these policies following a sharp increase in crime largely attributed to poor integration of immigrants. The country now faces the highest per-capita rate of gun violence in the European Union. Last year, 55 people were shot dead in 363 separate incidents in Sweden, a country of just 10 million people. In contrast, the three other Nordic countries combined recorded only six fatal shootings.
Police investigations have revealed disturbing tactics employed by Swedish gangs. They have been known to help troubled teenagers as young as 14 escape youth homes to carry out contract killings in exchange for material rewards such as new clothes, cash, and drugs.
Norway has acknowledged the presence and operation of Swedish criminal networks throughout the country. These gangs are increasingly visible, attracted by higher drug prices and less competition, according to a recent letter from Norwegian police to the government.
The EU’s open borders have facilitated the movement of criminals across the Nordic region. In response, Denmark has tightened surveillance at its border with Sweden and implemented stricter monitoring of passengers arriving by train from Sweden.
Sweden’s centre-right government, elected in 2022 on a platform of law and order and reduced immigration, is now ruling with the support of the far-right Sweden Democrats. The country has welcomed over two million people since the beginning of the millennium, with approximately 20% of the population born abroad.
The coordinated effort by Nordic countries to address the escalating gang crime problem in Sweden highlights the growing regional concern and the need for collaborative action to combat the spread of violence and criminal networks.
