Young people contact the gangs – want to commit contract killings

Eight young boys have fallen victim to the violence this year, and the number of minors in custody in Stockholm has tripled since January.
Despite that, young people themselves make contact with the gangs, in order to commit murder.
– You want to acquire a criminal identity, you want status. As one guy said: “I want to have the aura of being a murderer,” says Mats Lindström, police and detective leader in Järva.

This year, eight boys have been murdered: shot dead, killed with a knife or found beaten to death – as a direct result of gang violence. There are a record number of people under 18 in custody in Stockholm. A number that has tripled since January.

But despite the clear consequences of a criminal life, young people continue to be drawn there of their own accord. Now the police are warning that children themselves make contact with the gangs – to become contract killers.

– There is a client market for murders, explosions and shootings and then there are young people who want the contracts, says Mats Lindström, police and detective leader in Järva.

But why do children want to take a contract killing?

– What we have seen is that you want to be someone. You want to acquire a criminal identity, you want status. As one guy said: “I want the aura of being a killer”. They want the money, buy the clothes and get the prestige – you simply become somebody.

– We have failed in Sweden with these young people, because they have these standards and think this is an okay way to become someone. If you can’t become a football star or a rap artist – why not become a murderer?

“Every adult has a responsibility”

In order to overcome the recruitment of children to the criminal gangs, it is important to catch vulnerable people early, says Camilla Salazar Atías, criminologist at Fryshuset.

– We have to invest in preventive work, in schools and work opportunities for everyone who doesn’t think it exists.

She also highlights the importance of adult responsibility and that everyone can make a difference.

– Every adult has a responsibility. All adults have at some point put a youngster who is a little on the wrong side. If we all do the little extra and help, we can make a difference.