Sweden is grappling with a concerning trend involving a new breed of gangsters who are now recruiting teenage girls for violent activities such as assassinations, arson, and bombings. A recent investigative report sheds light on how these girls, some as young as 15, are being lured through social media with promises of cash for carrying out dangerous tasks.
The report features a specific case of a 15-year-old girl, referred to as a “Green Woman,” who fell under the influence of gang leaders. Prosecutor Lisa Dos Santos noted the gang’s ability to exploit certain blind spots that had previously gone unnoticed by law enforcement.
With financial incentives reaching up to $17,500 for successful acts, even seemingly low-risk tasks, like assembling makeshift explosives, can yield significant payouts. After joining, these recruits usually never meet the criminal masterminds behind their assignments and instead receive directions online from intermediaries. Many seem eager to prove themselves, perhaps feeling the need to match or exceed the ruthlessness shown by their male peers.
One harrowing example involved a 17-year-old named Olivia who, through social media, acquired materials to make firebombs and handed them to two boys. Evidently unfazed, she texted her boyfriend afterward, saying her involvement was “OK,” and subsequently received a year’s sentence for her role in the arson.
Adding to the grim picture, Stockholm prosecutor Ida Arnell recounted a case where a 15-year-old was confronted with a choice: shoot at a rival’s door or at her own head, illustrating the disturbing scenarios these young girls are facing. In 2023 alone, 280 girls aged 15 to 17 faced charges for violent crimes, including murder and manslaughter, and authorities suspect that the reality of organized crime involving minors is considerably more extensive than reported.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer acknowledged this issue as a significant challenge for Sweden, stating that the involvement of girls in these criminal networks is far more prevalent than previously understood. This situation poses alarming questions about societal vulnerabilities and the pressures these teens face.
