Sweden is racing to implement tougher legislation after a wave of bombings linked to gang violence.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that the new law, initially set for summer 2026, will now be enforced by fall 2025.
As reported by Digi24, the legislation will allow police to surveil minors under 15 years old, targeting gangs that recruit young people through social media platforms like Telegram.
Sweden has experienced approximately 30 bombings so far in January, including five explosions in Stockholm within the past 24 hours.
Gunnar Strömmer, the justice minister, stated, "In January alone, there has been an average of one explosion per day. This trend must be stopped."
Teenagers Recruited by Gangs for Violence
According to Swedish police, criminal gangs are increasingly using teenagers to carry out violent acts, including bombings and murders.
Some of the recruited youths are as young as 12 and are tasked with crimes like surveillance, vandalism, and violent attacks, often receiving instructions openly through digital platforms.
Many of these gangs are controlled by leaders based abroad.
The Swedish government estimates that around 600 foreign-based criminals are involved in orchestrating these operations.
Police Chief Petra Lundh explained, "We see children aged 12, 13, and 14 carrying out horrifying and violent missions as if they were part-time jobs."
International Cooperation to Curb Crime
In response to the crisis, Sweden is collaborating with countries such as Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates to secure extraditions of gang leaders.
Additionally, the Swedish government is pushing for stricter regulations on technology platforms to prevent gangs from recruiting youth online.
Sweden has urged the European Union to step in and assist with these measures.
The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for Sweden’s legislative and international efforts to counteract gang influence and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.
