Organized crime in Sweden

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Although organized crime has always existed in Sweden, it has risen significantly in the 2000s. The number of organized criminal groups operating in the country continues to rise. In 2018, Sweden had the highest gun deaths in total across Europe, and deaths involving guns tripled in Sweden between 2012 and 2020. [1]

Contents

Background

Since the 2000s, street gangs in predominantly immigrant suburbs of large cities have become more involved in organized crime including shootings and bombings, with 80% of shootings in Sweden occurring in a “criminal environment” mostly in disadvantaged immigrant neighborhoods according to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (2022). As the financial stakes have risen, so have the disputes between gangs. [1]

History

Deaths involving guns tripled in between 2012 and 2020. [1]

In 2021 the popular Swedish teen rapper Einar was shot several times and killed in a suburb of Stockholm. [2] Sweden’s then National Police Commissioner Anders Thornberg told the Financial Times the rising gang violence in Sweden could potentially be a “threat” to its democracy if “certain groups” continue to “stand outside” of society, referring to immigrants in disadvantaged neighborhoods. [1]

Known criminal organizations

Outlaw motorcycle gangs

Outlaw motorcycle groups such as the Hells Angels and Bandidos are well-established in Sweden. Their membership is increasing and they are reportedly active in organized criminal activities. [3]

Other criminal organizations

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kim, Lisa. "Sweden's Brutal Gang Problem: Here's What Officials Blame It On". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-09-10.
  2. Kim, Lisa. "Popular Swedish Teen Rapper Einar Shot Dead Amid Surge In Country's Gang Violence Intensifies". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-09-10.
  3. "Swedish biker gangs in expansion fast lane - The Local". Archived from the original on 2010-10-10.
  4. "Exploring the Internal Battles of Foxtrot: Rawa Majid's Allies and Networks Revealed". 25 September 2023.
  5. Allum, Felia; Gilmour, Stan (2019). Handbook of Organised Crime and Politics. Edward Elgar. ISBN   9781786434579.
  6. 1 2 3 "Det här är Sveriges kriminella gäng | TV3". www.tv3.se. Archived from the original on 28 December 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2022.

Further reading