Sweden, once known for its low crime rate, is now facing a growing concern with organized crime wars. Teenage girls are increasingly being recruited as hitwomen, with some as young as 15 years old being involved in violent crimes. According to Stockholm prosecutor Ida Arnell, these girls are not just victims, but also active participants in the crime world, often using encrypted messaging sites to offer their services to mobsters.
The Rise of Female Hitwomen in Sweden
Arnell shared a disturbing case where a 15-year-old girl was recruited to shoot someone in the head. The girl was able to choose the type of mission she wanted and opted for the more violent option. This case highlights the growing trend of young girls being involved in organized crime, with some 280 girls aged between 15 and 17 being charged with murder, manslaughter, or other violent crimes last year.
Experts say that the role of girls and young women in violent organized crime networks has been slipping under the radar for years, benefiting the crime networks and putting young women at extreme risk. The lack of research into this problem has led to a blind spot, with girls often being identified as victims rather than perpetrators. However, as Arnell notes, “girls have to show that they are even more determined and tougher (than boys) to get the job.”
Kids Under 15 Hired to Kill
Shootings and bombings are becoming a near-daily occurrence in Sweden, with organized crime groups recruiting teenagers under 15 to carry out their dirty work. These young kids are often hired through encrypted apps, where they can be contracted to carry out hits, shootings, beatings, and bombings. Arnell warns that “in general, the young kids are thirsty for blood on these chats,” regardless of their gender.
Sweden’s National Council for Crime Prevention is currently conducting an in-depth study on the nature of crimes committed by girls and women, as well as the violence to which they are subjected. The study aims to shed light on the growing problem of female involvement in organized crime and provide insights into the factors driving this trend.
Girls “Deeply Vulnerable”
According to the KSAN umbrella organization, which deals with drug and alcohol abuse among women, girls who commit crimes often have a drug addiction problem and have experienced untreated trauma. Two-thirds of girls who have committed drug-related crimes have also been subjected to sexual violence. This highlights the need for targeted support and intervention to address the complex issues faced by these young girls.
Natalie Klockars, a 28-year-old who was once involved in the drug trade, shared her story of how she started dealing drugs at 19 to finance her own cannabis addiction. She quickly grew her business, recruiting girls and building a large clientele. However, with easy money came violence, and Natalie eventually left the criminal world behind after a traumatic experience.
Sweden’s Organized Crime Wars
In recent months, Sweden has been plagued by violence, with much of the crime linked to gangs. In July, the head of one of Sweden’s biggest crime organizations was arrested in Turkey, and the government has proposed new legislation to allow police to wiretap children under the age of 15 in an attempt to curb the violence.
As the situation continues to escalate, it is essential to address the root causes of this problem and provide support to those affected. By acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need for targeted intervention, we can work towards reducing the involvement of young girls in organized crime and creating a safer, more secure environment for all.
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