Key Dalennätverket Gang Member Faces Extensive Charges Amid Rising Youth Recruitment by Swedish Gangs

Ildar Galiyev, a high-ranking figure in the Dalennätverket criminal network, is set to face trial in Sweden on November 3, 2026, following his extradition from Greece earlier this year. Galiyev is suspected in one of the most comprehensive indictments ever seen in Sweden, with accusations encompassing over 20 crimes, including four murders, six attempted murders, multiple bombings, and serious public endangerment. One of the most tragic incidents includes a bombing in Fullerö in September 2023, which resulted in the death of a 24-year-old woman believed to be an unintended victim. Prosecutor Mats Ahlbom described the indictment as unprecedented in its scale, highlighting Galiyev’s central role in orchestrating violent events tied to the gang’s conflict with the rival Foxotrotnätverket.

Galiyev, known as “Scar,” was arrested in Greece in mid-2024 under a European arrest warrant and subsequently transferred to Swedish custody. His criminal activities trace back to a broad timeline of attacks across several locations, including Stockholm and Linköping. Despite denying the charges, Galiyev’s case exemplifies the severe violence associated with Dalennätverket.

Meanwhile, Swedish police have identified over 70 youths who have responded to recruitment efforts by criminal gangs through social media ads. These gangs lure young people into participating in fraudulent schemes and violent acts through seemingly minor tasks, such as buying prepaid phone cards or lending bank accounts. Johan Olsson of the National Operations Department warns that these initial steps often lead to deeper criminal involvement. The authorities have informed local police regions to follow up with the youths and their families, emphasizing the threat posed by such recruitment tactics.

This crackdown on Dalennätverket’s leadership and increased attention on youth recruitment highlight ongoing efforts to curb violent gang activity in Sweden. Residents in affected areas, such as Enskededalen where Galiyev grew up, express relief as police detain key criminals and work to prevent new gang members from joining. Petra Andersson, a local mother, noted a decline in the fear of drive-by shootings, signaling a hopeful shift in community safety.

As the legal proceedings against Galiyev begin, law enforcement continues to battle the broader challenge of dismantling criminal networks and protecting vulnerable youths from recruitment, underscoring the complex nature of gang violence and its societal impact in Sweden.