The criminal gangs work actively to recruit new members and several of them are children under the age of 15 – as they are considered easier to influence.
By exploiting the young, the older gang members avoid the harshest punishments and younger people who commit serious crimes do not risk the same penalties.
– They want to avoid prison, that’s why they persuade children, says “Abdi”, who was taken into the care of social services due to the risk that he would be drawn into more serious crime.
Reaching young people on social media
According to the police, a large part of the recruitment takes place by attracting the young people into the business via social media. The older criminals send out requests and offers for quick money.
– The elderly entice with money and try to pump one up to make you feel big.
“Abdi” has turned down several offers that have come to him. Both from people at the HVB home, but also via social media where he was encouraged to commit crimes around Sweden. But he has friends who have been persuaded and who are now in custody for attempted serious crimes.