Rising Recruitment of Minors by Gangs in Sweden

Rising Recruitment of Minors by Gangs in Sweden for Contract Killing

Sweden is grappling with an alarming increase in the involvement of children in gang violence, particularly in relation to contract killings carried out by minors. Authorities are increasingly concerned about this disturbing trend amid the country’s status as a leader in Europe for gun-related violence.

From January to August 2023, the number of murders involving children surged dramatically from 31 to 102 cases. This spike underscores the growing risk that vulnerable youth face in their communities.

Recruiters are utilizing social media platforms like Snapchat and Telegram to target these at-risk children. Group chats with names such as “bombing today” have gained significant traction, drawing in thousands of members and offering as much as £13,000 for carrying out hits.

Many of these young recruits, some as young as 11, are frequently assigned the grim task of assassinating family members of rival gang members. Erik Lindblad, head of the police gang task force, referred to this alarming trend as “the new normal,” indicating a troubling shift in the landscape of gang-related violence in Sweden.