Swedish teenagers recruited by Danish criminals for gang violence

The recruitment of Swedish teenagers by Danish criminals to engage in serious criminal activities is an unintended consequence of bans imposed on gang groups such as Loyal to Familia. Sociologist Aydin Soei, who has studied the Danish gang environment since the early 2000s, notes that members of Loyal to Familia are frequently stopped by police, making it challenging for them to operate with weapons openly. This has led to the disturbing practice of employing minors as pawns in criminal activities.

The bans compel gangs to work in secrecy, contributing to a culture that does not shy away from violence when conflicts arise. According to Soei, using minors as hired guns reflects a desensitization within the gang environment and showcases how higher-level members exploit those lower in the hierarchy.

The tactics utilized by Swedish gangs have influenced their Danish counterparts. Since April, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard reported 25 incidents where Swedish youth were hired for criminal acts in Denmark, with the organized gang Loyal to Familia involved in conflicts with an unidentified network.

Traditionally, Danish gangs maintained an unwritten rule against hiring minors for dirty work, often to avoid recruiting acquaintances. However, the rise of social media allows for recruitment without personal connections, facilitating the employment of individuals the gangs do not need to face directly.

While youth crime in Denmark is historically low, the gang environment has become increasingly violent and ruthless. Soei suggests that efforts to combat this trend may involve leveraging social media platforms and informing the Swedish youth about the harsher legal repercussions in Denmark compared to their home country, where minors face lighter sentences.