Nordic Countries Unite to Tackle Sweden's Gang Crime Epidemic

Nordic countries are enhancing police cooperation and establishing a Stockholm-based hub to curb Sweden's gang crime from affecting Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Authorities aim to share real-time information and identify vulnerable youth to prevent their involvement in organized crime. Sweden's lenient immigration policy and poor integration are viewed as core issues.

Nordic nations are stepping up police collaboration and forming a central hub in Stockholm to combat Sweden's escalating gang crime issue, Swedish officials announced Wednesday.

Swedish gangs, recognized as some of Europe's most violent, have seen 10 Swedes charged with attempted murder or weapons offenses in Denmark this year, most of them minors. In response, Swedish and Danish police officers will be posted in each other's countries, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer revealed to Reuters.

The initiative aims to share real-time information to identify and prevent youth from entering criminal networks. Additionally, a Nordic police hub in Stockholm will comprise officers from Finland, Norway, and soon Denmark. The gravity of the crime wave is underscored by rising gang activities, with both Sweden and Denmark acknowledging their roles in addressing the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)