Another gang criminal who has been directing criminal activities on Swedish streets from abroad has now been arrested and brought to Sweden. This time, the Tidö government’s new agreement with Morocco has borne fruit, and a gangster has been extradited to face trial. At the same time, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) emphasizes that all gang criminals who are abroad and directing criminal activities in Sweden will be apprehended.
– One by one, he asserts.

The police have identified about forty individuals as key actors in the criminal networks that control much of the serious crime in Sweden. However, there are around 800 individuals in total who, despite being abroad, continue to influence Swedish crime.

As Sweden intensifies the hunt for gang criminals abroad, several countries have begun extraditing individuals to Sweden. Among the cooperating countries are the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Colombia, Mexico – and most recently Morocco – all of whom are sending gang criminals to Sweden to face trial.

Map showing where gang criminals are located abroad. Photo: Police

For several years, Sweden has been working against criminal networks that operate from abroad, including from Turkey, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Morocco. Authorities are particularly focused on criminal activities where gang leaders order acts of violence and control drug trafficking through encrypted messaging services.

On Thursday, the Police Authority announced that an internationally wanted Swedish citizen has been brought to Sweden from Morocco, where he was arrested on a red Interpol notice suspected of serious drug offenses. The decision to extradite is a result of closer cooperation between Swedish and Moroccan authorities.

Gang criminals control acts of violence and drug trafficking from abroad. Photo: Genre Images Pickpic / Police

The extradition was carried out shortly after Swedish representatives visited the city of Rabat. The meeting was attended by Deputy National Police Chief Stefan Hector, along with other representatives from the Police Authority, the Prosecution Authority, the Economic Crimes Authority, but also Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M). The visit aimed to strengthen the joint strategy against internationally organized crime.

– Morocco is a very important partner in our efforts against serious organized crime. This extradition clearly shows that our joint efforts are effective and that criminals cannot expect to be safe anywhere in the world, says Stefan Hector about the result, and continues:

– This is yet another example of how international cooperation is crucial in the fight against transnational crime. We are very grateful for the good cooperation with Morocco.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) has previously commented on the new agreement with Morocco, stating that the countries are now deepening their cooperation through an agreement to strengthen efforts against organized crime across national borders.

– Sweden and Morocco already have fruitful cooperation in legal matters. And through this declaration of intent, we are further deepening that cooperation. From Sweden’s side, we look forward to continued exchange between the authorities of our two countries, says Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M).

Sweden and Morocco have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen cooperation in the legal field. Photo: Oulbouje Taoufik, Ministry of Justice in Morocco.

Prime Minister: ”One by one”

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson once again emphasizes the government’s stance against gang crime after another wanted person has been arrested abroad, thanks to the cooperation between Swedish and Moroccan authorities. According to Kristersson, Sweden will ensure that all of the approximately 800 individuals abroad are flown back and prosecuted for the crimes they commit on Swedish soil.

– Yet another gang criminal has now been caught after hiding abroad. This is thanks to successful work by Swedish police, prosecutors, and good cooperation with Moroccan authorities, the Prime Minister conveyed and continued:

– I say it again: The gang criminals are not safe anywhere. Regardless of where in the world they are, we will find them, arrest them, and lock them up. One by one. We are not finished until we have all of them. Sweden will be safe.