Sweden: Teenagers Caught In Web Of Gang Violence | WION Pulse

Sweden is experiencing a surge in gang violence, with teenagers, some as young as 11, being recruited as contract killers via encrypted messaging apps. These vulnerable youth, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, are lured by promises of money to carry out violent crimes, and the number of minors involved in such crimes is on the rise, raising serious concerns about the future of the country's youth and the effectiveness of current interventions.

Gang Recruitment of Minors

• 00:00:00 Gangs in Sweden are actively recruiting children, some as young as 11, to carry out contract killings using encrypted apps like Telegram and Snapchat. Gang leaders often operate internationally, posting hit missions online and offering teenagers money to commit violent acts. In one instance, a 19-year-old offered a 13-year-old 13,600 to carry out a hit, highlighting the calculated nature of this recruitment process.

Vulnerability and Social Factors

• 00:01:17 Many of the recruited children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have faced challenges including struggles with school, addiction, and mental health disorders. The promise of money and belonging can be a powerful draw for these vulnerable individuals, who are particularly susceptible to exploitation. The increasing involvement of young people in violent crimes is a reflection of broader social and economic inequalities in Sweden.