Sweden targets child exploitation in explosive crime wave crackdown
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the introduction of a law allowing the surveillance of children to prevent their exploitation by gangs. In January, there were over 30 bomb explosions in the country.
"We are in the middle of a new wave of violence, with explosions occurring almost daily," said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
After the Crime Prevention Council meeting, which included police representatives, the Prime Minister noted that the current situation in the country resembles "internal terrorism."
The explosions, mostly in the Stockholm region, have damaged entrance doors, stairwells, and windows. Several people have been slightly injured. According to the police, the explosives are often planted by children aged 12-13 who are recruited by gangs through messaging apps and social media.
The head of the Swedish police, Petra Lundh, indicated that most explosions are related to extortion from businesses and private individuals. An additional 100 officers have been deployed to Stockholm, and the southern districts of the city are being monitored by drones.
The Minister of Justice, Gunnar Stroemmer, announced that the new law permitting the surveillance of children will come into effect earlier than planned, already in October this year.
