Justice Minister of Denmark Criticizes Gangs Employing Swedish Teens for Shootings
According to the Justice Minister, Danish organized crime groups are recruiting young Swedes to commit crimes, taking advantage of the fact that they often escape prosecution.
The Justice Minister of Denmark strongly criticized the practice of organized criminal gangs hiring Swedish youths to carry out violent shootings in Denmark, calling it a reflection of a disturbing culture of violence.
Peter Hummelgaard revealed that there have been 25 incidents since April where young Swedes have been paid by Danes to engage in criminal activities across the Øresund strait.
Hummelgaard’s reaction came after a Swedish chat revealed individuals seeking hitmen to carry out targeted attacks in Denmark, with prices ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 kronor ($28,500 to $47,500).
Expressing his anger and concern, the justice minister vowed to pressure Sweden to take responsibility for these actions.
As a response, Denmark announced increased inspections on trains crossing the Øresund bridge and heightened monitoring of car traffic on the connecting road.
“We are increasing surveillance to enhance security and prevent Swedish youths from coming to Copenhagen as hired soldiers for gang conflicts,” Hummelgaard stated.
The Swedish government has long been grappling with gang violence, while Denmark has faced similar issues on a smaller scale.
Swedish police have reported an uptick in the recruitment of teenagers under 18 for criminal activities due to fewer controls and protection from prosecution.
‘Cannon Fodder’
One prominent criminal network in Denmark, “Loyal to Familia,” has been engaged in disputes with a rival gang. Sociologist Aydin Soei highlighted the convenience of using Swedish teens as “cannon fodder” for these gangs.
Last year, Sweden estimated that around 62,000 individuals were associated with criminal gangs in the country, recruiting mostly from immigrant communities and witnessing violence primarily in its major cities.
In contrast, Denmark documented 1,257 individuals tied to organized crime at the end of last year, with Copenhagen being a hotspot for such violence.
Denmark has taken a firm stance against immigration and gang-related issues, implementing stringent measures that some Swedish politicians suggest should be emulated.
These measures include relocating non-Danes from specific areas and imposing harsher penalties for certain offenses.
(Source: The Associated Press)
