Sweden and Denmark are taking action against tech companies whose platforms are being used by criminal gangs to recruit young Swedes for violent crimes across Nordic borders. This development comes as part of a broader effort to address the spillover of Sweden's decade-long gang violence problem into neighboring countries.
Since April 2024, there have been 25 recorded instances of Swedish gang members being hired by Danish criminal groups for violent attacks in Denmark. These recruitments often occur through advertisements on messaging platforms like Telegram.
Gunnar Strommer, Sweden's Minister of Justice, stated during a joint news conference with his Danish counterpart:
Strommer emphasized the need to pressure these platforms to work more effectively on prevention measures.
Peter Hummelgaard, Denmark's Minister of Justice, specifically mentioned Telegram and TikTok as platforms widely used to facilitate criminal activities. He expressed a desire to geoblocked and shut down certain communication platforms, acknowledging that such actions are not currently legally possible.
The ministers' concerns highlight the challenges faced by Nordic countries in combating cross-border crime facilitated by technology. Sweden, which has the highest per-capita rate of gun violence in the European Union, recorded 55 fatal shootings in 363 separate incidents in 2023. This stark contrast to the combined six fatal shootings in the other Nordic countries underscores the urgency of the situation.
In response to these challenges, the Nordic countries announced increased police cooperation last week, including the establishment of a hub in Stockholm to prevent the spread of gang crime to Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Additionally, Denmark has intensified security controls at its Swedish border and increased monitoring of train passengers arriving from Sweden.
This situation reflects the complex interplay between technology, crime, and international cooperation in the Nordic region. The Schengen Agreement, which allows for free movement between most European Union countries, has inadvertently made it easier for criminals to operate across borders. However, the Nordic countries' long history of cooperation in law enforcement and crime prevention may prove advantageous in addressing these challenges.
As the Nordic ministers prepare to confront tech companies, the outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the role of technology platforms in crime prevention and the balance between privacy and security in the digital age.