Police seizures of explosives increased in 2023, with tens of tons seized in the criminal environment.
– The extensive seizures indicate that access to explosive goods is good, but also that our crime prevention work is effective. The seizures have likely prevented several explosions, says Malin Nygren, head of the national bomb data center at the Swedish Police Agency.
Police seizures of explosives increased in 2023, with tens of tons seized in the criminal environment. This is according to a status report from the national bomb data center.
Mapping shows that explosives from companies have leaked into the criminal environment, and explosives specialists offer their products and services to organized crime.
Relatives are affected
The National Bomb Data Center’s assessment is also that the relatives of criminals tend to be attacked to an increasing extent and that the public is exposed to great risk. Last September, a 25-year-old woman died and several neighbors had their homes destroyed after an explosive device detonated just north of Uppsala, something TV4 Nyheterna reported on. “The woman had nothing to do with the ongoing conflict,” the police write.
– Deaths are so far unusual in Sweden linked to explosions. What is difficult to measure, however, is the psychological damage and effects that an explosion can have on those who live nearby. The explosions lead to a decrease in the general sense of security in society, says Malin Nygren.
Usage increased
The use of explosive substances increased in 2023 compared to previous years and is now at the same level as in 2019 when the number of explosions reached a peak. The majority of explosions, 70 percent, target private residences, up from 40 percent in 2019.
38 percent of the explosions took place in Police Region Stockholm, while 26 percent were in Police Region South and 18 percent in Police Region West. Malin Nygren emphasizes that cooperation with other authorities is crucial due to the intensity of this type of crime.
– It is not only through police efforts that we get access to criminal management, but also through our cooperation with authorities responsible for supervision and licensing, says Malin Nygren.