Teenager faces attempted murder charges in Copenhagen after traveling from Sweden for assignment

A 16-year-old boy from Sweden traveled 1,000 kilometers by train to carry out a murder assignment in Copenhagen. However, upon arrival, he regretted taking on the task. This was the boy’s statement in Copenhagen District Court on Thursday morning, where he faces charges of attempted murder and attempted possession of a weapon. He maintains his innocence.

Previously residing in Kramfors, Sweden, the teenager learned through social media that one could earn quick money by accepting jobs in Denmark. Initially in court, he denied having any intention to shoot anyone. However, when the prosecutor presented his earlier testimony, it became clear he was aware of the nature of the mission.

He acknowledged he had traveled to Denmark for an unspecified task, for which he was to be paid between 100,000 and 300,000 Danish crowns. When asked whether he intended to follow through with the assignment, he replied no, stating that it was “stupid” and emphasizing, “I am not a murderer.” He explained that he aimed to help his mother but reconsidered upon arriving in Denmark.

The boy was arrested on April 25, shortly after his arrival, following a tip-off from Swedish authorities. Police in Denmark were alerted to watch for him, and he was apprehended near Copenhagen Central Station. The case exemplifies what law enforcement refers to as “crime as a service,” a trend that has seen an increase in young Swedish individuals crossing the Øresund Strait for remuneration in violent crimes.

Although the teenager neither fired a weapon nor possessed one, prosecutors argue that his intent alone is sufficient to warrant a charge of attempted murder. The planned mission reportedly involved him heading towards Nørrebro Station to collect a firearm and ammunition. The verdict is expected next week, though the specific penalty sought by prosecutors remains unknown.