BREAKING: A disturbing trend has emerged in Sweden as teenage girls are increasingly being recruited as hitwomen in the nation’s escalating organized crime wars. Prosecutors report that these young women are eager to demonstrate their ruthlessness, often outpacing their male counterparts in violent criminal activities.
In a shocking case, a 15-year-old girl was arrested after being recruited to carry out a shooting, choosing to target the victim’s head. Ida Arnell, a prosecutor in Stockholm, revealed that the girl was working alongside a 17-year-old male accomplice, who ultimately pulled the trigger, leaving the victim critically injured.
This alarming trend is not isolated. Authorities report that approximately 280 girls aged between 15 and 17 were charged with serious crimes, including murder and manslaughter, last year, although the exact number linked to organized crime remains unclear. Prosecutor Arnell highlighted that girls are often compelled to prove their toughness in a male-dominated criminal landscape, frequently advertising their services on encrypted messaging platforms.
The implications of this phenomenon are significant. Sweden, which was once celebrated for its low crime rates, is grappling with a surge in violence attributed to gang activities. Authorities now classify these gangs as a “systemic threat” to national security, with operations extending into various sectors including welfare, politics, and education.
Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer emphasized the need for more research into this issue, stating, “Girls are often identified as victims… but their participation in criminal circles is much more widespread than what we have long assumed.” He acknowledged the risks posed by preconceived notions regarding the roles of women and girls in crime, which can hinder both accountability and support for those involved.
The ongoing violence has become a daily reality in Sweden, with shootings and bombings reported almost every day. Criminal networks are increasingly recruiting minors, including those under 15 years old, to execute violent acts while shielding adult perpetrators from legal consequences.
Recent reports indicate that these girls often face extreme vulnerabilities, including issues of drug addiction and trauma. The KSAN umbrella organization highlighted that many of these young women have experienced significant hardships, with two-thirds of those involved in drug-related crimes having been subjected to sexual violence.
The case of Natalie Klockars, who began dealing drugs at age 19, illustrates the harsh realities faced by these young women. Born to a drug-addicted mother and a father in prison, Klockars turned to crime to support her own addiction. Over several years, she built a substantial clientele, but violence soon followed. After a harrowing incident where she was threatened with violence while pregnant, Klockars chose to leave the criminal world behind for the sake of her child.
As Sweden grapples with this growing crisis, the National Council for Crime Prevention is set to release findings from an in-depth study on female involvement in crime by October 2023. This research aims to shed light on the complexity of young women’s roles in crime and the violence they face.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As organized crime continues to evolve and expand, addressing the involvement of young girls is crucial for the safety and future of communities across Sweden. Authorities must act quickly to understand and mitigate this troubling trend before it escalates further.
