Icelandic Minister Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir advances new border policy amid rising organized crime threat

The Icelandic Minister of Justice, Guðrún Hafsteinsdóttir, is advancing a new border policy aimed at tightening border controls in response to a rising threat from organized crime. This initiative comes as she expresses significant concerns about the increasing presence of foreign criminal gangs using Iceland as a base for illegal activities, including exploiting young individuals to commit crimes.

The development of the new border policy has been ongoing for nearly a year, outpacing the previous framework established in 2019. Several measures are set to be announced in the coming weeks, including the implementation of a new entry/exit registration system at Keflavik Airport in November. This system is designed to automate the recording of travelers entering and leaving the country, thereby enhancing the tracking of individuals suspected of serious crimes and preventing identity fraud.

Guðrún remarked on the cooperation among Nordic justice ministers, who recently convened in Sweden to discuss organized crime trends in the region. They noted that Swedish crime groups are reportedly sending operatives to Iceland to engage in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for robust collaboration among countries to address the issue thoroughly.

The new policy will align Iceland’s regulations with those of other Schengen countries, addressing the need for consistent border security measures. Plans also include legislative changes to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives. Guðrún stressed that all efforts are directed towards strengthening Iceland’s borders in light of the escalating threats posed by organized criminal elements.