A surge in violence, including bombings and a high-profile murder, prompted an emergency meeting of Sweden’s Council Against Organized Crime. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged the long-standing nature of the problem, admitting a lack of control over the escalating situation. He emphasized that this was an inherited issue, developed over an extended period, and required immediate attention. In response to the escalating violence, Kristersson announced the government’s decision to expedite a law allowing the police to wiretap children, bringing the implementation forward from summer 2026 to October of this year. This measure underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s determination to tackle the root causes of the violence.
The meeting followed the assassination of Salwan Momika, a known Quran burner, in Södertälje. While acknowledging the tragic nature of the incident and the potential for further unrest, Kristersson cautioned against speculation about the motives behind the killing, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation by police and security services. He noted the possibility of foreign involvement, a concern echoed by security agencies, but stressed that there was currently no concrete evidence to support this theory. The Prime Minister guaranteed the deep involvement of security services in the investigation, highlighting the potential ramifications of the murder for national security.
Addressing the broader issue of organized crime, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer highlighted the challenge posed by gang leaders operating from abroad. He underscored the importance of operational work by law enforcement agencies, minimizing political interference, while emphasizing the role of international cooperation. Strömmer detailed his recent visit to Turkey as an example of such collaborative efforts, aimed at addressing the issue of extraterritorial crime. This international dimension, with approximately 600 gang members operating from 57 countries, adds another layer of complexity to the fight against organized crime in Sweden. Strömmer highlighted the ability of these overseas criminals to orchestrate violence, including shootings, within Sweden’s borders.
The scale of organized crime within Sweden is significant, with an estimated 62,000 individuals actively involved in or connected to criminal networks. This vast network, combined with the influence of overseas criminals, presents a formidable challenge to law enforcement. The government responded to the escalating violence, particularly the spate of bombings, by issuing a special mandate to law enforcement agencies. This directive focuses on swift and decisive action to curb the violence, emphasizing a coordinated approach among the various agencies involved in combating organized crime. The prevalence of bombings underscores the brazen nature of these criminal networks and the need for a comprehensive response.
Rikspolischef Petra Lundh, National Police Commissioner, acknowledged the tragic nature of Momika’s murder, stressing that society should be able to protect its citizens. However, she refrained from commenting on the specifics of Momika’s personal security arrangements, citing police policy. Lundh further emphasized the focus on addressing the wave of violence, noting a decrease in shootings last year but recognizing the resurgence of another wave of violence. This cyclical nature of violence highlights the entrenched nature of organized crime and the continuous need for effective law enforcement strategies. She expressed grave concern over the increasing involvement of young teenagers in acts of extreme violence, describing it as almost a casual “side job” for them.
The Council Against Organized Crime, led by the Justice Minister, was established in December 2022 to enhance the effectiveness of the collective fight against organized crime. The council’s membership comprises key figures from various government agencies, including the National Police Commissioner, Head of the National Operations Department, Prosecutor General, Director General of Customs, and Directors General of the Economic Crime Authority and the Tax Agency. This multi-agency approach reflects the government’s recognition of the complex nature of organized crime and the need for a coordinated response involving all relevant stakeholders. The current crisis necessitates a swift and decisive action from the Council to address the escalating violence and restore public safety.
