Firearm violence has decreased, but explosions in Sweden are reaching an unprecedented level. Over 30 bombings have been carried out just in January.
Over 100 experts have been called in to Stockholm, where most of the explosions have taken place.
We have always been aware that it will take a long time to reverse the trend and that new waves of violence will likely occur. What we can now establish is that we are in a new such wave, says National Police Commissioner Petra Lundh after an extraordinary meeting with the council against organized crime.
Extortion
The police link the increase in bombings to extortion against entrepreneurs and private individuals, where people are demanded money under threat of explosions or shootings.
At the same time, she means that the police stop many crimes before they are committed, and says that the police have "in the near future" seized over 70 kilos of dynamite and other equipment needed to manufacture bombs.
Over 50 people have been arrested after the violent crimes.
There are many young people. It's naturally mixed, also older. But we see a trend that it's getting younger. Many are between 15 and 18, but there are also many children under 15 who are now perpetrators of these crimes.
Lundh tells us that they are trying to shut down various chat forums where they know that violent assignments are being given to children and young people.
Today we see 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds who perform horrific violent assignments as if it were a part-time job. The assignments are being mediated completely openly on digital marketplaces.
Foster Homes
What kind of children are taking on these assignments?
It's mixed, but many are vulnerable children, often placed in foster homes or family homes that respond to these assignments. Often they travel across Sweden and carry out an assignment at a specific address.
What motivates them?
Naturally, it's money, but also power, that it's perceived as cool or something else, I would think.
