Anna Hartz
Sweden’s Gang Crisis Deepens as Teens Recruited for Violent Attacks
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Sweden has long been known for its safety and stability. But in recent years, the country has faced a growing wave of violence linked to organized crime.
What’s more disturbing is how children are now caught in the middle. Teenagers, some barely into high school, are being pulled into gang life, reports Digi24.
They’re used to carry out bombings, shootings, and attacks. Many don’t fully understand what they’re doing or who they’re doing it for.
Some of these gangs aren’t just acting on their own. According to reports, Iran has been using Sweden’s criminal networks to carry out attacks against Israeli targets in Europe.
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The Israeli embassy in Stockholm has been targeted multiple times. In one case, a 15-year-old boy was stopped by police on his way to attack the embassy.
A day later, a 14-year-old opened fire nearby. Neither was sent to prison. They were too young.
Sweden’s Security Service says Iran is taking advantage of the country’s gang crisis.
They use local gangs to spread their conflict with Israel into Europe. Iranian officials deny this and claim it’s propaganda.
Two major Swedish gangs, Foxtrot and Rumba, have been involved in these attacks. A number of incidents in 2023 were linked to them, including shootings and attempted bombings.
Most of the suspects were under 18. In many cases, they had no idea who gave them the orders.
Experts are alarmed. They say children are being used as tools in a much bigger game. Sweden had over 130 bombings and nearly 300 shootings last year.
In January 2024 alone, there were 33 explosions. About 30% of the suspects in gun cases were underage.
Foxtrot’s leader, Rawa Majid, now lives in Iraq but still runs operations from afar. He uses encrypted apps and keeps in touch with his group.
U.S. authorities have accused him of working with Iran’s intelligence service.
Mossad also says Majid and his rival, Ismail Abdo of the Rumba gang, were behind embassy attacks.
Sweden’s gang problem has become more than a crime issue. It’s a national security threat—and kids are paying the price.
