Denmark faces emerging trend of vigilante ‘pedophile hunters’, police issue stern warning against such actions
A network of individuals luring men with interest in underage girls and subsequently meting out vigilante justice has reportedly emerged in Denmark, following a trend seen elsewhere internationally. The National Unit for Special Crime (NSK) has issued a warning about these so-called ‘pedophile hunters’. “We strongly advise against the practice of vigilantism, the use of violence, and public shaming,” said Lars Mortensen, Head of NSK.
According to the NSK, the network’s mission is to draw out men interested in intimate encounters with young girls. Once lured, the men are attacked by masked individuals, filmed, and then exposed on social media platforms like Telegram, TikTok, and X, formerly known as Twitter. The men are publicly identified and labeled as pedophiles. “Making defamatory allegations and public shaming can in itself be illegal, as is redistributing such content,” Mortensen says. He adds, “One should not attempt to provoke or instigate others to commit crimes. If one becomes aware of potential criminal activity, it should be reported to the police.”
Several people have been arrested so far in connection with this. A department under NSK is tasked with monitoring online criminal activity trends, but individual cases are investigated by local police departments. “We know that in these closed groups, intimate meetings and attacks on individuals are planned. Therefore, we are in close dialogue with the police departments to both prosecute those who commit vigilante justice and prevent violence and abuse against minors,” says Mortensen.
The West Copenhagen Police have arrested three people and detained one, who is below the age of criminal responsibility. All four are suspected of being part of the network in Denmark. They are charged with aggravated assault against several men related to the videos. A 20-year-old man is currently in custody. The cases also involve two men aged 50 and 46, both of whom are charged with attempted rape of minors. These cases are being investigated by the Fyns and Nordjyllands Police. More charges are expected.