Gang violence in Sweden has reached alarming levels, resulting in one of the highest homicide rates in Europe. Shootings have more than doubled in a year, with an average of one shooting per day for every 10 million inhabitants. This surge in violence is attributed to gang warfare, with shooters often being minors. Criminals are increasingly turning to minors for contract killings since they face juvenile justice rather than life sentences in the adult system. A young man who remains anonymous disclosed that he earns an average of €7,000 a month carrying out various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, planting explosions, and committing shootings. The cost of criminal services, such as blowing up a door or killing someone, is also revealed in his testimonial.
The new centre-right government in Sweden inherited a country plagued by violence, with only Albania and Montenegro ranking ahead of it in gun deaths per capita in Europe. To combat the shootings linked to organized crime, the government has proposed a law allowing anonymous testimonies to break the code of silence within gangs. While critics argue that this proposal violates the accused’s right to know their accusers, the Swedish government maintains their position, stating that anonymous testimony will only be allowed in exceptional cases, at the court’s discretion, and for crimes punishable by at least two years in prison. Additionally, there must be a tangible risk to the witnesses or their relatives as a consequence of their testimony. This proposed law aims to tackle the escalating violence and dismantle the previously idyllic image Sweden held.
The anonymity of testimonies is seen as a necessary step to combat the entrenched gang violence present in Swedish society. The use of minors in criminal activities and murders has seen a sharp increase, with the number of suspects under the age of 15 involved in murder nearly four times higher than the previous year. Criminals are capitalizing on the leniency of the juvenile justice system, leading to a rise in contract killings carried out by minors. The alarming rate of fatal shootings and the involvement of minors in violent crimes have prompted the Swedish government to take decisive action to clamp down on criminal organizations and dismantle the culture of silence that has allowed violence to flourish.
The young man interviewed, who is involved in criminal activities, provides insights into the financial aspects of carrying out criminal acts such as explosions and shootings. The ease of placing ads on encrypted messaging platforms and the lucrative nature of criminal services have attracted individuals, including minors, to partake in illegal activities in exchange for monetary compensation. This underworld economy has created a market for various criminal services, with prices attached to each illicit activity. The increase in violence, driven by gangs and criminal organizations, has highlighted the need for stricter measures to disrupt their operations and apprehend those responsible.
Sweden’s reputation as a peaceful and idyllic country has been shattered by the surge in gang violence and fatal shootings. The alarming statistics, with 53 people killed in shootings in 2023, point to a pressing need for the government to address the root causes of this violence. The proposed law allowing anonymous testimonies is a step towards breaking the culture of silence within gangs and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. By targeting organized crime and introducing measures to protect witnesses, Sweden aims to restore safety and security within its borders, combating the rise in gang violence that has plagued the nation. Despite facing challenges in tackling the entrenched criminal networks, the government’s proactive approach signals a commitment to addressing the issue and safeguarding communities from the threats posed by gang violence.
