Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness Emilie Enger Mehl met on Friday morning with Kripos head Kristin Kvigne regarding serious developments in Sweden and criminal networks with branches in Norway. – There are no signs of a similar rapid development here, but we must make determined efforts to break the networks, Mehl says after the meeting.
Developments in Sweden regarding the activities of criminal gangs are a serious problem that has been affecting the country for some time. The situation is complex and involves many key aspects.
Sweden is seeing a significant increase in gang-related crime, especially in larger cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Gangs often compete with each other for control of areas, leading to an increase in violence.
Increase in gang criminal activity in Sweden
As Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in his statement, – Sweden has never before faced such serious threats to internal security – both from terrorism and serious organized crime.
– We are changing migration policy and limiting immigration so that Sweden has a chance to cope with the integration of those who have already arrived, said the Prime Minister of the Swedish government.
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We don't have the same situation as in Sweden
– The violent situation in Sweden is unlike anything we have seen before. We do not have the same situation here, but it is a very serious matter because criminal networks from Sweden have branches in Norway. Police have a good overview of the situation, but efforts to combat organized crime and drug trafficking must remain decisive, Mehl said after the meeting.
Fight against organized crime and drug trafficking
– The networks are professional and have a long chain of connections. The main, often international, criminals sit at the top and run networks with branches in many parts of the world. At the other end are young people recruited for criminal and violent missions. Therefore, the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking, as well as the prevention of youth recruitment, is absolutely fundamental, says Mehl.
In the future, the government will propose several new measures to step up efforts. On Friday, tougher penalties for minors will be presented. Police efforts to combat repeat crime and youth crime have also been strengthened in priority areas. Later this autumn, the government will present a report on economic crime to the Storting, including new measures to confiscate the proceeds of crime.
– We must destroy the chain of connections and break down networks. We need to catch the perpetrators and, at the same time, the young people who enter this criminal race track. Investigation and intelligence in Kripos and police districts are absolutely crucial, along with anti-youth recruitment and preventive measures, both from the police and from entities such as schools and child protection, says Mehl.
Shootings and gang crime in Sweden
Earlier this week, Mehl met with her Swedish colleague Gunnar Strömmer in Stockholm to discuss the situation with shootings and gang crime in Sweden.
– Sweden is now taking decisive action to bring the situation under control. Strict measures should be taken against gangs, and police should prevent them from having access to money and weapons, Mehl says.
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Source: regjeringen
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