Sweden reduces gang violence after decade of attacks

Police in Sweden report a significant decrease in gang violence following years of escalating attacks involving firearms and explosives. Stockholm police commissioner Akerwall stated that shootings and bombings peaked in 2022 and 2023, but recent measures have reversed this trend.

Between January and June of this year, police recorded eight deaths and 15 injuries from 39 shootings, a decline from 34 deaths and 49 injuries resulting from 205 shootings during the same period in 2022.

Bombings also decreased, falling from 108 to 75 incidents. Akerwall attributes these improvements to policies enacted by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government since 2022. These policies include harsher penalties for gun possession, expanded police authority, increased surveillance, and greater cooperation with international law enforcement. Residents of Ragsved, a suburb previously known for high crime rates, have also noted a perceived increase in safety and a reduction in gunfire. Despite these gains, challenges remain.

Police are concerned about the recruitment of children, 170 under age 15 were suspected of violent crimes from January to July, by gang leaders operating from abroad via encrypted apps. The government has responded by requiring social media platforms to remove hitman advertisements, toughening penalties for young offenders, and allowing police to use stronger methods to gather information from children involved in criminal activity.

The networks have also infiltrated various sectors of Swedish society, creating a “systemic threat” according to Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer.