Swedish Police reveal global reach of criminal networks in Sweden, 600 members operating across 57 countries

STOCKHOLM — The Swedish Police Investigation Department has unveiled the operations and control mechanisms of criminal groups with international reach. According to the department, there are approximately 600 members of these groups, spanning over 57 countries in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Latin America, conducting criminal activities in Sweden from abroad.

In a televised interview, Swedish Police Chief Petra Lund highlighted the significant role these international criminals play in the ongoing crime crisis in Sweden. A police-drawn map illustrates how these foreign-based criminals plan and direct attacks within Sweden, underscoring their influence from abroad.

Lund explained that the criminal networks are structured into high and middle-level operatives, with some holding dual citizenship, including Swedish nationality, which complicates extradition efforts. Many of these 600 individuals have relocated outside Sweden, primarily due to their involvement in drug trafficking and to evade Swedish law enforcement.

The complex structure of these organized groups makes identifying their leaders challenging, prompting Swedish authorities to label the situation a global security threat.