The measure, approved by parliament on October 2, is part of the right-wing government’s crackdown on organized criminal gangs.
This means that police can seize cars, gold watches and branded items from people suspected of having links to criminal gangs, where the items are believed to have been purchased with money earned from illicit gang activity, even if the person does not she is formally suspected of a crime. .
An example would be an expensive sports car driven by an unemployed person with no legal income and who cannot explain how he paid for it.
“It’s about seizing assets where it’s clear that crime is involved,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a news conference earlier this week.
According to him, the new law is “the biggest reform since the penal code was introduced” in 1965.
Sweden has struggled to contain a wave of shootings and gang attacks in recent years, linked to score-settling and difficulties in controlling the illicit drug market.
In 2023, the country recorded 53 deaths in 363 shootings, which increasingly occurred in public places and sometimes claimed innocent victims, such as bystanders.
Relatives of gang members have also been targeted in revenge killings.
The perpetrators are often young teenagers, hired as contract killers because they have not yet turned 15 to be criminally punished.
The new law on kidnappings also applies to minors under 15 years of age.
“We know that these are status symbols, like watches and cars, that are used to recruit people into criminal gangs,” the prime minister said.
Police Chief Petra Lundh said the new law was “not a game changer, but a very important piece of the puzzle.”
Critics of the measure – including parliamentary ombudsmen, who ensure that public authorities comply with legislation – have expressed concerns about the rule of law, such as the principle of presumption of innocence and vague requirements for carrying out physical and physical searches.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer defended the legislation but acknowledged its “offensive” nature.
“We are building something that doesn’t fit into traditional models.
“All the guarantees for the rule of law in the framework of criminal cases are obviously not there when you do things outside the traditional model,” he told reporters this week.
“We are being offensive here. Otherwise we will not get the desired effect,” he said, adding that ultimately the court will have the final say on the seizure.
According to authorities, the economy of organized criminal gangs is estimated at around 100 to 150 billion crowns (9.3 to 14 billion dollars) per year.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Anna Lindstrom, Criminal Justice Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Lindstrom. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent legislation passed in Sweden targeting organized crime. Can you give us a brief overview of what this law entails and its implications?
Dr. Lindstrom: Good afternoon! Yes, certainly. The law, which was approved by the Swedish parliament on October 2, allows the police to seize assets from individuals suspected of having connections to organized crime, including luxury items like cars, watches, and branded goods. This applies even if these individuals are not formally charged with a crime, as long as the police can demonstrate that the items were likely purchased with illicit earnings.
Editor: That’s quite a significant shift. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson mentioned it as “the biggest reform since the penal code was introduced” in 1965. Why is this law being viewed as such a major reform?
Dr. Lindstrom: The scale and the mechanisms of this law are groundbreaking. Historically, asset seizure in Sweden required a direct link to a committed crime, which made it difficult to dismantle the financial foundations of criminal organizations. By allowing preemptive asset confiscation based on suspicion alone, the government is aiming to disrupt the cycle of crime by targeting the wealth that fuels it.
Editor: Sweden has experienced a notable increase in gang-related violence and shootings recently. What do you think are the root causes of this surge?
Dr. Lindstrom: There are multiple factors at play. The growing drug market, particularly in urban areas, has led to intense rivalry between gangs vying for control. Additionally, social issues such as unemployment and integration challenges have compounded the problem. The recent statistics are alarming—53 deaths from shootings in just 2023 alone highlight how public safety is increasingly at risk, with innocent bystanders often caught in the crossfire.
Editor: With such dire circumstances, how effective do you think this new law will be in curbing gang violence and crime overall?
Dr. Lindstrom: While the law represents a proactive approach, its effectiveness will depend on several factors, including the capacity and training of law enforcement to implement it effectively. Asset seizure can disrupt gang operations by financially crippling them, but it’s also essential to address the underlying social and economic issues. Comprehensive strategies that combine law enforcement with community support and prevention programs will likely yield the best results.
Editor: There are concerns regarding civil liberties and the potential for abuse with asset seizures based on mere suspicion. How can the government ensure that this law is applied fairly?
Dr. Lindstrom: This is indeed a critical concern. Transparency and accountability in the application of the law will be key. There needs to be a clear set of criteria and evidence required before assets can be seized. Additionally, legal recourse must be available for those who believe their assets have been unjustly confiscated. Public oversight and independent reviews of the process could help mitigate potential abuses.
Editor: Looking ahead, what do you foresee as the next steps for Sweden in the fight against organized crime?
Dr. Lindstrom: The implementation of this law will be a crucial step, but it should ideally be part of a broader strategy. Sweden may need to invest in community programs to deter young people from joining gangs, support rehabilitation for those already involved in crime, and continue improving police capabilities. Collaboration with international law enforcement may also enhance efforts against cross-border crime, especially if gangs are tied to larger networks outside of Sweden.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lindstrom, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that while the new legislation marks a significant shift, a multifaceted approach will be necessary to tackle the roots of organized crime in Sweden.
Dr. Lindstrom: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we have these conversations to foster understanding and encourage effective solutions.
