Denmark and Sweden want more masterminds from third countries to be extradited

Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard (S) and Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer have agreed on a joint statement between the countries following a series of recent cases involving Swedish teenagers being used as mercenaries for gangs in Denmark.

Peter Hummelgaard said this on Wednesday during a press conference in Copenhagen.

“Unfortunately, we know this all too well. The propensity of gangs for violence knows no bounds. That is why our response must be strong and coordinated,” he said.

Denmark and Sweden want to strengthen cooperation with third countries where the masterminds behind gang conflicts are hiding.

This should ensure that more people are extradited to Denmark and Sweden, so that ‘the creators can be held accountable for their actions’.

Peter Hummelgaard does not specify which countries are involved.

According to police chief Thorkild Fogde, “in the worst case” it could involve areas such as northern Iraq and Syria, where “normal law and order do not prevail.”

“Such blank spots on the world map can be very difficult for authorities to reach,” Fogde said after the press conference.

He further states that some of the masterminds do not reside permanently in another country.

“And it is precisely when these wanted individuals move that Interpol sometimes has the opportunity to issue a warning and have them arrested.”

According to the police chief, the police are also working to map out where the most wanted people in Denmark are abroad.

The joint statement also includes an “intensification of efforts” to stop the recruitment of young people by gangs through social platforms.

“It is frightening that people can be so cynical as to exploit children and young people to commit attacks,” says Hummelgaard.

During the press conference, the Swedish Minister of Justice said that Sweden takes the developments on social platforms “very seriously and responds with full force.”

Gunnar Strömmer also said that Sweden will take tougher action against “serious violence,” among other things, using the Danish gang plans as an example.

The recent violent cases involving Swedish citizens involved in the criminal environment in Denmark have prompted Hummelgaard to tighten controls at the border with Sweden.

Among other things, more police have been deployed on the Øresund trains and the police have been given more tools for license plate recognition.

According to Hummelgaard, there have been 25 incidents since April this year where criminal groups in Denmark have hired young Swedes to commit crimes. He said this on August 8.