Danish and Swedish criminals recruit young Swedes for violent crimes, warns professor in Copenhagen

A serious issue involving Danish and Swedish criminals hiring young Swedes to carry out violent crimes, including murder, is not just confined to Denmark and Sweden, but is indicative of a global phenomenon, according to Henrik Vigh, a professor at the University of Copenhagen’s Center for Global Criminology. He notes an alarming rise in transnational crime in recent years, with criminal groups increasingly outsourcing their operations.

Recent reports indicate that Danish gang members are using social media to recruit young Swedes for illicit activities. A police inspector revealed that there has been an increase in incidents where unaccompanied minors have traveled to Denmark to commit violent crimes, sometimes armed. This trend is concerning as it contributes to a growing problem of organized crime crossing national borders.

Vigh explains that the practice of hiring individuals to commit crimes—referred to as “criminal service provision”—makes it difficult for police to trace the masterminds behind these acts, which complicates law enforcement efforts. Often, vulnerable young people are lured into these roles for financial compensation, with some reportedly receiving up to 200,000 DKK (approximately 30,000 USD).

Two Swedish citizens under the age of 18 were recently arrested in Denmark for attempted murder, reflecting the severity of this issue. The Danish government recognizes the need for increased international police collaboration, particularly with Europol, though Denmark’s opt-out from EU law enforcement cooperation poses challenges.

Despite these hurdles, both Danish and Swedish police maintain a strong working relationship, and there are ongoing discussions about improving policing strategies to combat this form of transnational crime effectively.