In a significant move to combat organized crime, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced the expedited implementation of legislation permitting the wiretapping of children under the age of 15. The policy decision comes as a response to a surge in criminal activities involving minors, which include organized crime-related acts such as bombings. According to Kristersson, the new law could take effect as early as fall 2025, advancing from the initial proposal to launch in 2026.
The upcoming law will specifically allow Swedish law enforcement to secretly intercept phone calls and electronic communications of children suspected of being involved in crimes with penalties exceeding four years in prison. However, the measures will necessitate a higher degree of suspicion compared to adults suspected of similar offenses. Advocates for children’s rights, including Binaji Marouf from Bris, have expressed concerns that the measures may inadvertently lead to younger children being lured further into criminal networks.
To further bolster its stance against organized crime, the Swedish government has published a wide-ranging national strategy, outlining key measures including dismantling criminal economies and curtailing the possession of illegal firearms and explosives.
Sweden has witnessed an alarming escalation in bombings, marking a sharp increase from seven incidents in September 2024 to over 30 in January 2025, with perpetrators sometimes as young as 12. In an effort to curb the growing violence, Stockholm has increased its police force by an additional 100 officers. The recurrent violence, often involving young individuals coerced by older gang members, has prompted these recent legislative and strategic actions by the government in an effort to restore public safety.
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