Rise in Children Suspected of Murder Plots in Sweden

Recent statistics from the Swedish Prosecution Authority reveal a disturbing rise in the number of children under 15 suspected of involvement in murder plots. As of July 31, 2024, there are 93 such cases, significantly up from just 26 during the same period last year. This increase in “child soldiers” is attributed to the professionalization of recruitment methods, according to law enforcement. Unlike previous methods that relied on prolonged in-person interactions in neighborhoods, recruitment is now swift and often occurs online. Prosecutor Lisa Dos Santos noted that it can take mere hours from the publication of a murder assignment to the commission of the crime.

Hanna Paradis, commander of the special Frigg operation at the National Operational Department, indicated that criminal networks can effectively reach any youth participating in these online forums. This enables minors to take on assignments and be recruited from the safety of their homes.

Notably, death lists circulating on social media and encrypted platforms like Telegram include names with monetary rewards of up to one million kronor. Paradis remarked that while these amounts may appear significant, the risks involved for those targeted and their families are profound, potentially lasting a lifetime.

According to Dos Santos, it’s becoming more common for young people to accept assignments without knowing either the requester or the target, akin to a “job pool.” These individuals often come from varied backgrounds, including those who are socially stable and well-integrated.

Authorities describe the job postings as illegal and emphasize that tech companies must take greater responsibility to prevent such criminal activities on their platforms, which have contributed to numerous murders.