UPDATE: Teenage girls are stepping into the dangerous role of hitwomen amid escalating crime wars in Sweden. Prosecutors reveal alarming trends as girls as young as 15 are being recruited for violent tasks, including murder, in a bid to prove their toughness in a male-dominated landscape.
In a shocking case, Stockholm prosecutor Ida Arnell disclosed that a 15-year-old girl was hired to shoot a victim in the head. “She was able to choose the type of mission she wanted… She chose the head,” Arnell stated. This girl was arrested alongside a 17-year-old male accomplice after they left a victim critically injured from multiple gunshot wounds.
The disturbing trend shows that an increasing number of girls are not just victims but are actively seeking roles in organized crime. Prosecutors report that around 280 girls aged 15 to 17 were charged with murder, manslaughter, or violent crimes last year, although the exact number linked to organized crime remains unclear.
Arnell emphasized the intense pressure these young women face, stating, “Girls have to show that they are even more determined and tougher than boys to get the job.” This reflects a broader shift in Sweden, where violent crime, particularly gang-related, has surged over the past 15 years.
Once known for its low crime rates, Sweden is now grappling with rampant shootings and bombings tied to organized crime networks that often recruit minors under the age of criminal responsibility. “In general, the young kids are thirsty for blood on these chats,” Arnell added, referring to the use of encrypted messaging apps for orchestrating violence.
Authorities now label these gangs as a “systemic threat” to national safety, with reports of infiltration into various sectors, including welfare and education. Police confirm that many leaders are orchestrating operations from abroad, using intermediaries to carry out violent acts.
Sweden’s Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer acknowledged the problem in April, stating, “Girls are often identified as victims… but their participation in criminal circles is much more widespread than what we have long assumed.” He highlighted the need for further research into female involvement in crime, which has been largely overlooked.
The Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention is conducting a comprehensive study on crimes committed by girls and the violence they experience, with findings expected by October 2023. Experts stress that many of these girls are also victims of abuse and addiction, complicating their roles in crime.
A report from the KSAN umbrella organization revealed that most girls involved in drug-related crimes have faced sexual violence, illustrating systemic vulnerabilities. One young woman, Natalie Klockars, shared her harrowing journey from a troubled upbringing to drug dealing, emphasizing the violence that often accompanies this lifestyle.
“I knew this was not the life I wanted to give my daughter,” she recounted, recalling a near-fatal encounter where her friend was threatened at gunpoint. Klockars ultimately left the criminal world behind for the sake of her child, highlighting the personal toll of Sweden’s escalating crime crisis.
As Sweden grapples with this urgent issue, the role of young women in organized crime is gaining attention. Authorities and communities must act swiftly to address these disturbing trends and safeguard vulnerable youth. The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
