A 30-year-old Swedish man was recognized on the streets of Grønland in Oslo earlier this month. Shortly thereafter, he was expelled from Norway and handed a two-year entry ban.
- A 30-year-old Swedish man was recognized in Grønland, Oslo, and subsequently expelled with a two-year entry ban.
- Police discovered cash and ziplock bags in his apartment.
- Swedish authorities suspect he is recruiting youth for criminal activities.
- Recent figures indicate that, as of September, 33 individuals connected to foreign criminal networks have been deported from Norway this year, 24 of whom are Swedish.
On October 10, a police officer recognized the Swedish national while he was near the Grønland Bazaar shopping center.
His history with Norway dates back to 2020, during which he has been found guilty in minor cases. Yet, his criminal record in Sweden is significantly more extensive. According to police attorney Andreas Meeg-Bentzen from the Oslo police district:
“He has faced continuous convictions since his youth, primarily for serious offenses related to violence and drug use.”
Police Attorney
In May of this year, the individual was arrested for possessing five grams of marijuana. Following the arrest, he vanished until spotted again in Grønland.
Police investigations revealed that he was residing in a sparsely furnished apartment in central Oslo.
“We located cash hidden in the kitchen vent, along with unused ziplock bags in a kitchen cupboard,” said Meeg-Bentzen.
The retrieved cash was tucked behind the air filter of the kitchen vent, while the ziplock bags were found stored next to the ventilation pipe in a cupboard.
Found Cash
According to police prosecutors, ziplock bags are commonly associated with drug packaging. However, no controlled substances were discovered during the search. The amount of cash recovered totaled only a few thousand kroner.
“While not a large sum, the cash was nonetheless concealed,” noted Meeg-Bentzen.
On Friday, October 17, the 30-year-old was formally deported from Norway, destined for Sweden the following weekend.
UDI based its decision on an assessment of the threat posed by the individual, his criminal record, social associations, and involvement in drug and violence crimes. The police assert that he likely intended to commit further criminal acts while in Norway.
Authorities believe he has ties to organized crime in Sweden.
According to VG, Swedish law enforcement suspects he was previously affiliated with the Bergagänget, a now-defunct gang in Linköping, Sweden.
While this network has disbanded, its influence can still be seen in other criminal groups.
“The issue of gang connections did not arise during the court hearings,” stated the man’s attorney, Marte Svarstad Brodtkorb, who declined to elaborate.
“Influences Young People at Risk”
The UDI’s decision also noted information from police indicating that the 30-year-old is known for recruiting individuals into a life of crime in Sweden, significantly targeting at-risk youth.
“The Swedish authorities consider him a person capable of influencing vulnerable young people,” said the police attorney.
However, no evidence has emerged that he engaged in such activities while in Norway.
Read also: Former Foxtrot member expelled from Norway
Meeg-Bentzen emphasized that heightened regulations and intensified crackdowns on crime in Sweden have led many criminals to seek refuge in neighboring Norway.
He asserts that such deportations are vital preventive measures against crime and serve to protect young, vulnerable individuals from falling into criminal influences.
“It’s essential to convey that the police are vigilant and monitoring these activities,” he concluded.
In September, VG reported that so far this year, the UDI has made deportation decisions regarding 33 cases initiated by the Oslo police involving individuals associated with foreign criminal networks. Among these, 24 were Swedish nationals, including four connected to the gang known as the Death Patrol, six associated with the Shottaz network, and two with ties to the Foxtrot group.
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