Man linked to Shottaz criminal network faces charges in Norwegian court

A man has been identified as one of four individuals linked to the Swedish criminal network Shottaz, which is facing charges in a Norwegian court. A total of seven individuals believed to be associated with the network are currently in the custody of Norwegian police. The four young men are charged with robbery, threats, complicity in theft, and drug offenses, with three being Swedish citizens and one a Norwegian national. Some have prior convictions for money laundering and drug trafficking in Sweden.

In court, the accused was the first to testify and acknowledged partial guilt for possessing approximately 45 grams of hashish in his jacket but denied the other charges. He repeatedly denied any ties to the Shottaz network, which has been involved in a violent feud that has claimed at least ten young lives since 2015, with several murders still unsolved.

The man explained that he moved to Norway seeking new opportunities and emphasized that wages are higher there compared to Sweden. When asked why he didn’t stay in Sweden, he referenced a wave of violence, stating there have been far too many victims and expressing fear for his life in Sweden, contrasting with the perception of safety in his home country.

The source of concern stems from the ongoing Shottaz conflict, rooted in the Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby, which has instilled fear in the broader community. Local authorities have noted that residents avoid certain establishments due to concerns about violence.

Additionally, during the investigation into the accused, police discovered images of large quantities of drugs on his phone. However, the accused claimed the drugs were props for a music video he had worked on, a statement supported by his attorney, who contested the suggestion of his involvement in a criminal network.