Danish Minister Criticizes Gangs Hiring Swedish Teens for Killings

– Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard has condemned the alarming trend of organized criminal gangs recruiting Swedish teenagers to execute violent crimes in Denmark, labeling it a “sick, depraved culture of violence.” Hummelgaard expressed his outrage, highlighting the contrast between Sweden's long-standing battle with gang violence and Denmark's relatively lesser issues. The Danish authorities are exploring technological solutions, including facial recognition and tools to access encrypted communications, to combat this growing threat. Hummelgaard emphasized the need for legal adjustments to implement facial recognition technology, which he described as a “very, very good idea.” The urgency of the situation was underscored by recent incidents involving two Swedish teenagers, aged 16 and 17, who were detained for their involvement in shootings in Kolding and Copenhagen. Sociologist Aydin Soei remarked on the troubling convenience for gangs to exploit young Swedish individuals as “cannon fodder” in their criminal activities. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed Hummelgaard's sentiments, calling the recruitment of Swedish youths for crime an “eerie example” of criminal cynicism that Denmark will not tolerate. The scale of gang involvement is significant, with Swedish authorities estimating around 62,000 individuals linked to criminal organizations, while Denmark reported 1,257 known gang affiliates by the end of last year. The Danish police have already recorded two shootings and one fatality in the first quarter of 2024, indicating a pressing need for effective intervention.