Sweden Aims to Introduce Law Allowing Police to Wiretap Children Amid Rising Gang Violence
-
Loading... - Nicole Bennett
- 31 Jan 2025
- 86 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Sweden is facing a challenge with a surge in gang-related crime, particularly involving teenagers who are being recruited for various criminal activities, including vandalism, bombings, and even murder. In response to this alarming trend, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on Thursday that the government will expedite legislation permitting police to wiretap children under the age of 15.
The decision comes after a series of bombings linked to criminal gangs that have been actively recruiting young individuals through social media platforms, especially Telegram. Prime Minister Kristersson stated, “We are pushing the legislation to enter into force in the fall of 2025. This is important to get at those who often sit far away and order crimes of children in Sweden.” Initially, the law was expected to be ready by summer 2026, but the urgency of the situation has prompted a faster timeline.
The rise in gang violence has been particularly concerning, with reports indicating that many of the young contract killers are not only local but are also being hired from abroad. According to police data, approximately 600 criminals targeting Sweden reside outside the country. National Police Chief Petra Lundh highlighted the disturbing trend of very young individuals, some as young as 12, 13, and 14, being involved in violent crimes, often treated as casual jobs. These assignments are communicated openly on digital marketplaces, with crime frequently orchestrated by gang leaders located overseas.
The situation has escalated dramatically, with around 30 bombings reported in Sweden in January alone, including five blasts in Stockholm within a 24-hour period. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer emphasized the need to break this trend, stating, “During the month of January, there has been an average of one blast per day. That trend must of course be broken.”
In addition to the proposed wiretapping legislation, Prime Minister Kristersson noted that Sweden is collaborating with countries such as Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates to extradite gang leaders operating from those regions. The Swedish government is also taking steps to address the role of technology platforms in facilitating gang recruitment and has called on the European Union to assist in these efforts.
As Sweden grapples with this complex issue, the proposed measures reflect a commitment to tackling the root causes of gang violence and protecting vulnerable youth from exploitation by criminal organizations.
