The government has previously proposed that participation in a criminal gang should be punishable - something that requires a constitutional amendment, as it means that freedom of association is restricted for criminal organizations.
Now the Moderates want gang leaders who are convicted when the new law comes into force to be eligible for life sentences.
The gang leaders worry us immensely. It is a ruthlessness we have never experienced before in Sweden, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and continues:
They are located in different places, fewer now than before, and use "crime as a service" as the police say. They simply order crimes in exchange for payment.
Investigation soon complete
By criminalizing participation in criminal networks, it is hoped the law will reach even those who do not commit the crimes themselves but who order or otherwise enable them.
The government has appointed an investigation into the matter, which will be presented on February 13, but the Moderates already want to emphasize the importance of including life imprisonment in the penalty scale.
"Precisely to be able to lock these ringleaders up for a really long time. Both to hold them responsible, but also to weaken the networks in that way," says Gunnar Strömmer.
“Would be wild”
Who should be considered a leading figure in the gang, and thus eligible for the highest penalties, will be specified in the investigation, according to the ministers.
But it often becomes clear already in police investigations, says Ulf Kristersson.
"They often have a pretty good idea. There's a reason why many people settle in Turkey or Iraq — it's because they know they would be hard to get hold of," he says.
Strömmer and Kristersson do not believe it will be difficult to get the other government parties on board.
"I find it hard to believe that we would encounter any greater resistance," says Strömmer.
