The police have become better at mapping the criminal networks, which has led to several leaders being arrested abroad.
124 internationally wanted persons have been arrested abroad during the first six months of the year, compared to 86 during the same period last year, according to the police. Among them is the gang leader Ismail "Jordgubben" Abdo, who was arrested in a major operation in Turkey recently, and a key figure in the Foxtrot network who calls himself "Dybala", who was arrested in Iraq, according to SVT.
Pressure is required
Nearly 700 criminal individuals with ties to Sweden are estimated to be living abroad and ordering and controlling serious crime in Sweden. This includes everything from murder, shootings, and bombings to scams against the elderly.
In order to reach them, the police and the government must cooperate closely, Strömmer believes.
It requires pressure both at the operational level between police authorities and political pressure to create a focus on these issues, says Strömmer.
Several cooperation agreements have been signed with different countries in recent years. As recently as this month, an agreement with the United Arab Emirates came into force, which will make it easier to reach criminals who either hide there or launder their money by, for example, buying properties in Dubai.
Rapid relocation
During the NATO process, agreements were also signed with Turkey, and the Nordic countries are also working closely together.
It is a relocation that has taken place quickly. We must cooperate both politically and operationally on an international arena, says Gunnar Strömmer.
It has a very concrete significance for safety in a residential area in Sweden. The connection is clear between what is done internationally and local safety.
