EU nation contemplates permitting law enforcement to wiretap kids
(MENAFN) Sweden is preparing to pass new legislation that will enable law enforcement to wiretap children under the age of 15. This move comes in response to an increase in violent crimes committed by teens who have been recruited by criminal gangs. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that the law, which is set to take effect in the fall of 2025, will allow Police to monitor the mobile phones of young individuals involved in organized crime.
In recent years, Sweden has experienced a sharp rise in gang-related violence, including bombings and shootings, particularly in the Stockholm area. The country saw some of the highest levels of deadly gun violence in Europe in 2023, with gangs increasingly targeting children, often recruiting them via digital platforms.
Many of these young offenders, sometimes as young as 12 or 13, are being used as contract killers. The criminal networks often communicate through encrypted messaging services like Telegram, Snapchat, and Signal. The government has expressed concern over social media platforms not doing enough to prevent the exploitation of minors for criminal activities. Swedish authorities are also pushing for tougher sentences for youth offenders and enhanced police powers to tackle gang violence.
The proposed wiretapping legislation is part of broader efforts by the Swedish government to curb the ongoing surge in gang-related crimes, which have severely impacted the public's sense of safety, with bombings and shootings continuing to plague the country.
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