Sweden is confronting an emerging form of gang-related violence, with criminal organizations enlisting adolescent girls to perpetrate killings, arsons, and explosive attacks, an investigation has revealed.
The report discloses that girls, some as young as 15, are being recruited via social media, with gang leaders – who call them “Green Women” – offering money for their participation in these acts.
Prosecutor Lisa dos Santos informed a U.K. media outlet that these gangs are exploiting a vulnerability, as female involvement was initially underestimated by law enforcement.
Rewards reaching up to $17,500 are provided for completed assassinations, and even roles deemed less dangerous, like assembling improvised “napalm” bombs, can yield thousands of dollars.
Upon recruitment, these individuals seldom encounter the primary organizers of the offenses, instead getting their directives from online intermediaries.
A number of them seem keen to demonstrate a level of ruthlessness equal to, or surpassing, that of their male counterparts.
The Telegraph highlighted a case concerning Olivia, a 17-year-old girl, who was recorded supplying a bag containing explosive components for a gasoline bomb assault.
Having been recruited through online channels, she purchased the components for the firebomb and provided them to two male associates.
Hours later, once reports of the incident emerged, she messaged her boyfriend, stating the task was “OK.” She was subsequently given a one-year jail term for her part in the arson.
Stockholm prosecutor Ida Arnell recounted an instance where a 15-year-old girl was given the choice to shoot at a rival’s door or head and opted for the latter.
During 2023 alone, 280 girls between the ages of 15 and 17 faced charges for violent crimes, such as murder and manslaughter.
Officials suspect the actual number connected to organized criminal activities is considerably greater, given that numerous cases remain unprosecuted.
Within the Telegraph’s reporting, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer likewise recognized this trend as a significant issue for Sweden, pointing out that girls are “much more widespread” within criminal organizations than initially believed.