Danish users allegedly offer illegal services and stolen goods in closed Facebook groups

In closed Facebook groups, Danish users are reportedly offering a range of illegal services and stolen goods, including assistance with obtaining driving license points, insurance fraud, and counterfeit documents. One anonymous user in a group claims, “If you have points that you don’t wish to take, I will take them for you. Price: 2,500 + the fine amount.” Another user advertises that they can provide an address for obtaining higher social benefits for a monthly fee.

Users are also involved in selling drugs and stolen items such as designer lamps and electric bicycles without chargers. Although these groups are periodically shut down, they quickly re-emerge under new names. Offers include taking points for a friend’s driving license and assistance with false documentation.

The rise of these online transactions has drawn the attention of local law enforcement. Simon Hansen, a deputy police inspector with Copenhagen Police, notes a significant shift in illegal activities moving to platforms like Facebook, especially after the closure of Pusher Street, a well-known marketplace for illicit activity. He stresses that purchasing stolen goods is equally illegal on social media as it is in person.

Digital rights organization Digitalt Ansvar criticizes Facebook, asserting that the platform makes it too easy for criminal behavior to flourish online. The Danish Justice Minister, Peter Hummelgaard, condemns the trade, stating that tech companies like Meta share responsibility for the inadequate control over illegal content.

In response, Facebook’s Nordic policy chief claims the platform actively removes content and users violating its regulations, emphasizing the importance of reporting unlawful activity to both Facebook and law enforcement for ongoing investigations.