Cross-Border Crime Surge: Norway Grapples with Swedish Gangs

Norway is increasingly troubled by the rise of Swedish criminal gangs, whose involvement in violent crimes has already been observed in neighbouring Denmark. The situation has prompted heightened vigilance among Norwegian authorities, as they fear the cross-border spread of criminal activity.

Reports from Euractiv highlight the concerns raised by the Norwegian National Bureau of Investigation regarding the potential escalation of crime within the country. Kjetil Tunold, head of the organised crime division at the Bureau, expressed apprehension about the increasing criminal activity originating from Sweden, remarking that Norway is wary of the possibility that this wave of crime could soon permeate its own borders.

One significant incident raising alarm involved an explosion in a residential area in Drøbak, located south of Oslo, in the autumn of last year. The explosion, which caused significant damage, has been attributed to the activities of Swedish criminal gangs. Following the incident, three Swedish nationals, allegedly linked to these gangs, were charged with attempted murder.

In eastern Norway, the presence of Swedish gangs has become particularly evident. According to Thomas Staerk, head of investigations for the Eastern Police District, several Swedish criminal groups are operating in the region. Staerk expressed particular concern over the violent tactics employed by these gangs and the risk they pose to vulnerable youth, whom they may target for recruitment into criminal enterprises.

“The brutality of the violence and the potential recruitment of vulnerable young individuals are what worry us most,” Staerk noted, emphasising the need for immediate action.

Much of the recent criminal activity in the region, he added, is tied to the illegal drug trade, which continues to be a significant driver of gang-related violence.

The growing influence of these criminal gangs has prompted Norwegian police to request government assistance in combating the issue. They have proposed coordinated efforts, including joint patrols with Swedish police in areas along the border that are particularly susceptible to criminal incursions. Such cross-border cooperation is viewed as critical to preventing the further spread of Swedish gang violence into Norway.

This issue is not confined to Norway. Swedish police have been working closely with their counterparts in Denmark and Finland as well, as these countries also face the threat posed by organised criminal networks originating from Sweden. In Denmark, the presence of Swedish gangs has become increasingly prominent. Danish authorities recently detained five young Swedish nationals on suspicion of involvement in various violent incidents, further demonstrating the transnational reach of these gangs.

The current wave of violence stems from escalating conflicts between rival criminal groups, many of which are deeply entrenched in drug trafficking. These groups frequently turn to social media platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, and TikTok to recruit young people for illicit activities. Teenagers are often enticed with the promise of easy and fast money, which serves as a powerful draw for vulnerable individuals.

The recruitment of young people through social media has become a major issue for law enforcement across Scandinavia, as the allure of quick profits can lead to deeper involvement in criminal enterprises. This trend poses a significant challenge for authorities, who are not only attempting to address the immediate acts of violence but also to dismantle the underlying networks that enable such recruitment.

In response to the surge in criminal activity, Denmark has taken steps to tighten its border controls with Sweden. This increased scrutiny at the border is intended to limit the movement of criminal elements between the two countries and reduce the risk of further incidents. However, while such measures may help contain the situation in the short term, experts believe that a more comprehensive, collaborative approach between the Scandinavian countries will be required to effectively tackle the underlying causes of this criminal activity.