Teen Hitmen Crackdown in Scandinavia

In a significant move against organized crime, Denmark and Sweden have arrested several individuals suspected of recruiting teenagers for contract killings. This coordinated effort, supported by Europol’s Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM, follows investigations into encrypted platforms used for ordering attempted murders, including a recent attack in Kokkedal on May 7, 2025.

Authorities have apprehended seven individuals aged 14 to 26, including two 18-year-old recruiters captured in Western Sweden. These suspects are alleged to have facilitated violent attacks by providing arms and safe houses, highlighting a concerning trend of minors being lured into cross-border crime networks through online platforms.

The Danish and Swedish police, alongside Europol, emphasize the importance of cross-country collaboration to dismantle these networks. Danish Chief Inspector Torben Svarrer warns young people about the false promises of easy money from such criminal offers, stressing the severe consequences involved. Swedish Superintendent Theodor Smedius calls for tech companies to monitor and remove violent content actively.

Europol’s OTF GRIMM, established in April 2025, plays a crucial role in combating the rise of ‘violence-as-a-service’ across Europe. With Iceland recently joining the taskforce, ongoing investigations and partnerships with service providers aim to dismantle the infrastructure behind these crimes. Europol encourages vigilance from parents and communities to prevent youth recruitment into these dangerous activities.