Cross-border crime on the rise: Norway struggles with Swedish gangs

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Norway is increasingly plagued by the rise of Swedish criminal gangs, whose involvement in violent crime has already been observed in neighbouring Denmark. The situation has led to heightened vigilance among Norwegian authorities, who fear the cross-border spread of criminal activity.

Euractiv reports highlight concerns raised by the Norwegian National Bureau of Investigation about the potential escalation of crime in the country. Kjetil Tunold, head of the organised crime unit at the Bureau, expressed concern about the increasing criminal activity originating from Sweden and noted that Norway is wary of the possibility that this wave of crime will soon penetrate its own borders.

One major incident that raised alarms was an explosion in a residential area in Drøbak, south of Oslo, last autumn. The explosion, which caused considerable damage, has been attributed to the activities of Swedish criminal gangs. Following the incident, three Swedish citizens, allegedly associated with 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 active in the region. Staerk expressed particular concern about the violent tactics used by these gangs and the risk they pose to vulnerable young people, who they may target for recruitment into criminal enterprises.

“The brutality of the violence and the possible recruitment of vulnerable young people are what concerns us most,” Staerk noted, stressing the need for immediate action.

Much of the recent criminal activity in the region, he added, is linked to the illegal drug trade, which remains a major driver of gang-related violence.

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

This problem is not limited to Norway. The Swedish police work closely with their colleagues in Denmark and Finland, as these countries also face the threat of organized crime networks originating in Sweden. In Denmark, the presence of Swedish gangs has become increasingly prominent. Danish authorities recently arrested five young Swedish citizens on suspicion of involvement in several violent incidents, further demonstrating the transnational reach of these gangs.

The current wave of violence is a result of escalating conflicts between rival criminal groups, many of which are deeply rooted in drug trafficking. These groups often turn to social media platforms such as Telegram, Instagram and TikTok to recruit young people for illegal activities. Teenagers are often lured with the promise of easy and quick money, which is a powerful attraction for vulnerable individuals.

The recruitment of young people via social media has become a major problem for law enforcement in Scandinavia, as the lure of quick profits can lead to deeper involvement in criminal enterprises. This trend poses a significant challenge to authorities, who are trying not only to tackle the direct violent acts but also to dismantle the underlying networks that enable such recruitment.

In response to the increase in criminal activity, Denmark has taken steps to tighten border controls with Sweden. This increased control at the border is intended to limit the movement of criminal elements between the two countries and reduce the risk of further incidents. While such measures can help control the situation in the short term, experts believe that a more comprehensive, collaborative approach between the Nordic countries will be needed to effectively address the root causes of these criminal activities.

Image source: Flickr

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