Swedish justice minister in Tunisia to strengthen hunt for gang criminals

Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer and Deputy National Police Chief Stefan Hector are in Tunisia to negotiate increased police cooperation and a bilateral crime-fighting agreement, Swedish public broadcaster SVT reports.

The visit aims to target Swedish gang criminals hiding abroad, including Mohamed “Moewgli” Mohdhi, alleged second-in-command of the Foxtrot network, who is believed to be in Tunisia. Mohdhi, 28, is wanted for a series of violent and drug-related crimes, including the murder of a 15-year-old boy at a sushi restaurant in Skogås. He denies all charges through his public defender.

Swedish police estimate that hundreds of individuals in around 50 countries are directing violent crimes in Sweden. While fewer gang criminals are based in Tunisia compared to other nations, several hold key positions in the Foxtrot network. Five men linked to Foxtrot, arrested by Tunisian police in October 2023, await trial there. Authorities believe their extradition to Sweden would significantly weaken the network.

Sweden has previously signed policing agreements with Morocco, Iraq, and Turkey to combat cross-border gang crime. During the Tunis visit, Strömmer met with Tunisian Interior Minister Khaled Nouri to expand collaboration.