Record Surge in Murder Plots Among Swedish Children Amid Gang Crime Concerns
Sweden faces a sharp increase in murder plots by children under 15 amid ongoing gang crime challenges, despite overall reductions in gun violence.
- • Number of children under 15 suspected of murder plots increased from 14 in 2022 to 127 in 2023.
- • Gun violence and shootings significantly decreased from 2022 to 2023.
- • Government and police have increased resources and introduced new laws to combat gang crime.
- • A 22-year-old was sentenced to life in Malmö for a murder believed to be a gang-related contract killing.
Key details
Sweden is witnessing a dramatic rise in serious youth involvement in crime, particularly in murder planning among children under 15. In 2023, the number of children suspected of plotting murders soared to 127, up from just 14 in 2022, signaling a troubling trend linked to gang recruitment through social media. This surge has raised alarms nationwide about younger generations being drawn into gang-related violence.
Despite this, overall gun violence in Sweden has significantly decreased, with shootings dropping from 314 incidents in 2022 to 113 in 2023, and fatalities from 49 to 26 during the same period. Police efforts have intensified, including the arrest of 183 gang members operating abroad, 35 of whom are considered 'priority actors.' The government, under the Tidö Agreement, has boosted funding and introduced new legislation to combat gang crime, including stricter penalties and enhanced police surveillance powers.
However, challenges persist, as estimates suggest there are around 14,000 active gang members and an additional 48,000 individuals connected to gang-related activities. Criminologist Manne Gerell notes that while crime patterns are evolving, the reduction in fatalities marks progress.
In Malmö, another stark example of gang violence emerged with a 22-year-old man sentenced to life imprisonment for a murder that appeared to be a contract killing. The victim, a man in his 20s, was shot outside a pizzeria in November of the previous year and died despite seeking help. The court suggested the incident was an execution and that the victim may not have been the intended target, emphasizing the dangerous reach of gang-related violence in urban areas.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer acknowledges the complexities of changing crime dynamics but asserts that the situation overall has improved due to increased police resources and legislative measures. Proposed reforms include lowering the age of criminal responsibility for serious offenses to 13 and expanding police capabilities to better tackle gang-related crimes. These developments underscore a critical juncture in Sweden’s efforts to stem rising youth involvement in serious crime while maintaining the gains against gun violence.