Not long ago, Sweden was seen as one of the world’s most peaceful, stable, and secure countries – a successful nation characterized by red cottages, strong trust between people, orderly queues, welfare, and proximity to nature. But this image has changed in line with the mass immigration to Sweden, resulting in growing parallel societal structures. Crime has increased significantly, especially gang-related violence with shootings and bombings, as well as sexual offenses and robberies.
Canada’s government advises in its latest travel information for citizens to be cautious when traveling to the major cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
READ ALSO: Over 67,000 people linked to gang crime in Sweden
This places Sweden in the same caution category as countries like Turkey and Morocco. In Turkey, the warning particularly concerns terrorism and drone attacks at the border with Syria and Iraq, while in Morocco, it focuses on the risk of terrorism and landmines in the Sahara region.
The fact that Sweden is now listed alongside these countries marks a clear change in how the world views the security situation in a country that was previously considered a peaceful and secure successful nation.
The Canadian travel warning highlights two main risk factors: gang-related violence and terrorism. In recent years, Sweden has seen a significant increase in shootings and bombings linked to organized crime.
The advice to Canadian travelers in Sweden is clear. Keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid crowds, and be extra vigilant in high-crime areas. Today, gang violence is no longer limited to so-called vulnerable and immigrant-dominated areas, but is spreading to residential areas across the country, to shopping centers, and other public places – both during the day and at night.
“Risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time”
The fact that gang violence in Sweden often misses its mark and affects the wrong people and properties has led to innocent people with no connection to the gang environment being murdered.
READ ALSO: 13-year-old’s attempted mass murder in Gävle was a “mistaken shooting”
This development has led the police in Sweden to coin the term “mistaken shootings” – a term that has now also been noted by Canadian authorities:
Even though violent events usually do not occur in areas visited by tourists, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Canada informs about “mistaken shootings” in Sweden
Caution in crowded environments
At the same time, the risk of terrorist threats in Sweden remains. The Security Service has assessed that there is an elevated threat, something that was recently confirmed when the Syrian migrant Faris Al Abdullah was charged with planning a terrorist attack in Stockholm, something that Samnytt has reported on in several articles.
READ MORE: Terrorist’s plan: Blow up the Cultural Festival in Stockholm
In light of this, Canadian travelers are urged to be particularly cautious in crowded environments, such as shopping centers, events, and public transport.