Nearly 300 arrested in Swedish-led police operation against organised violence

A Swedish-led international police operation has resulted in the arrest of 280 individuals suspected of involvement in digital recruitment and coordination of violent crimes, Swedish public broadcaster SVT Nyheter reports.

The year-long operation, dubbed “violence-as-a-service” by authorities, was conducted in collaboration with Europol and police forces from ten European countries. According to a police statement, the initiative targeted networks facilitating violent crimes through digital platforms.

“We have seen significant benefits from international cooperation, allowing us to apprehend many individuals linked to violence-as-a-service and prevent violent offences across multiple locations in Europe through enhanced information sharing,” said Theodor Smedius, superintendent at Sweden’s National Operational Department (Noa).