Nordic Nations Unite Against Gang Violence

In a bid to address escalating gang violence, justice ministers from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark convened in Copenhagen on Wednesday, expressing deep concern over the rising involvement of minors in Swedish gang activities. The meeting was catalyzed by a recent surge in violent incidents in Denmark and Norway linked to underage Swedish gang members. The ministers emphasized the need for enhanced police cooperation and strategies to combat the misuse of digital platforms for organized crime. Sweden's Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer highlighted the alarming trend of young individuals being recruited through digital channels, underscoring a shared commitment between Denmark and Sweden to mitigate gang-related activities. However, specific measures to achieve this goal were not disclosed. Denmark has already initiated plans to implement border controls with Sweden following the arrest of young Swedes implicated in serious crimes, including murder. Norway's Justice and Rescue Minister Emilie Enger Mehl announced collaborative efforts between Norwegian and Swedish police, including joint patrols aimed at curbing gang violence stemming from Sweden. Mehl noted that arrangements would be made for increased operational cooperation, with Norwegian Criminal Police members being deployed to Sweden's National Operational Unit to enhance cross-border knowledge sharing. As part of these initiatives, a Nordic police hub is being established in Stockholm, with officers from Finland, Norway, and Denmark set to collaborate. Sweden, facing the highest per capita rate of gun violence in the EU, recorded 55 fatal shootings last year, starkly contrasting with the six fatalities across the other Nordic nations combined.