After a man in his early teens was shot dead at the Mälarhöjden sports ground in southern Stockholm, it didn’t take long before a video showing the murder began to spread on social media. Something that, according to criminologist Jerzy Sarnecki, is part of the ongoing gang war.
– This is an incredibly negative phenomenon. Not only does it make it more difficult for the police, it can also increase the confidence of those who commit crimes.
The account that posted the video has over 20,000 followers, and claims to be spreading information about the Foxtrot criminal network. The video clip that showed the murder was replaced on Friday with a still image of the young man lying face down on the grass.
At the same time, the account promises material with new attacks and videos of members of Foxtrot.
Spreading this type of material, Jerzy Sarnecki describes as part of the ongoing gang conflict. One driving force is to reach out with their messages of intimidation – even if they already have their eyes on them after the violent acts of the past few days.
– The purpose is to recruit followers and scare opponents. In some contexts it can be better for the group’s purposes, it can have a greater effect in terms of intimidation on modern media than carrying out an explosion or a shooting, he says.
Can make it difficult for the police
Another purpose is to benefit one’s own image, and build one’s brand. Something that he believes Foxtrot leader Rawa Majid, partly with the help of traditional media, has succeeded in.
– The Kurdish fox brand is one of the largest and most expensive in all of Sweden. This is important because it threatens those who are opponents, he says.
But it can also hurt the police by making testimonies less valuable because several people may have already seen what happened. He sees a need for the police to become better at using the material in their detective work.
– Much of the crime has contact with the internet, is committed online, or is produced online. In this regard, knowledge building is needed.
Former ideological drive
Jerzy Sarnecki also sees connections to how different forms of extremist groups use social media.
The phenomenon, which used to be more prevalent in groups with an ideological drive, is now part of traditional crime, says Sarnecki.
– This is an incredibly negative phenomenon. Not only does it make it more difficult for the police, it can also increase the self-confidence of those who commit crimes, he says.
TV4 Nyheterna has sought Meta for a comment.