Juvenile Hitmen in Sweden: Organized Crime"s New Tactic

Sweden has been grappling with severe gang violence, ranking third in Europe for gun deaths per capita, only behind Montenegro and Albania. In response to tougher sentencing laws implemented by the center-right government, organized crime groups have increasingly turned to juveniles for contract killings, as minors face less severe penalties under juvenile justice. The number of under-15s suspected of involvement in murder plans has surged nearly fourfold in the first half of this year compared to the previous year. The recruitment of young individuals for violent crimes is not limited to Sweden; there have been instances of Swedish youths being involved in contract killings in Denmark. Recent arrests of three Swedish teenagers in Denmark for attempted murder highlight the cross-border nature of this issue. The Swedish government, led by Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer, is attempting to combat this trend by stiffening prison sentences and making it easier to impose custodial sentences on those under 18. Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant, as gangs have adapted their strategies to exploit the legal system's leniency towards minors. The connection between organized crime and certain ethnic minority communities in Sweden complicates the situation further. The government is also seeking to enhance cooperation with other countries to extradite criminals involved in violent crimes. The ongoing violence raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the potential need for more drastic measures, including the possibility of introducing prison sentences for those under 15. The situation reflects a broader cultural issue that has developed over time, necessitating a comprehensive approach to restore safety and order in Swedish society.