Swedish Gangs Recruit Children as Young as 11 for Contract Killings

An alarming rise in gang-related violence sees minors targeted as expendable recruits due to their legal immunity.

Swedish authorities report a dramatic increase in gang recruitment of children under 15, exploiting their lack of criminal liability.
A recent case involved an 11-year-old boy offered 150,000 Kronor (€13,000) to commit murder; police intervened before the crime occurred.
Gang leaders operate from abroad, using encrypted apps like Telegram and Snapchat to recruit and communicate with minors.
The number of murder cases involving suspects under 15 rose from 31 in early 2023 to 102 in the same period of 2024, reflecting a troubling trend.
Experts highlight the role of social media 'crimefluencers' and systemic issues like poverty and exclusion in driving vulnerable youth into gang activity.