Young People at Risk from Violent Criminal Assignments in Norway

“A young individual received death threats after backing out of a violent assignment. Initially tasked with a murder, they had been given a firearm but chose not to proceed. When the weapon wasn’t returned, both the individual and their family faced dire threats.”

This harrowing example is part of a broader investigation into the troubling trend of youth engaging in criminal violence in Norway.

For the first time, Kripos, Norway’s national criminal investigation service, is unveiling the severe repercussions faced by young people who take on violent roles for various criminal factions.

“We have observed significant psychological pressure and threats following such incidents in Norway,” says Ole Jørgen Arvesen of Kripos to NRK.

The report indicates that young people have encountered threats through in-person interactions, voice messages, or written communications via encrypted means.

“Threats may involve harm to the individual, their family, or even fines for failing to meet their commitments,” Arvesen explains.

A Chance to “Make Amends”

The year 2025 has seen a troubling rise in incidents where minors are recruited for violent tasks by criminal groups. Many of these youths have reported being commissioned by Swedish criminals, with some as young as 12.

Referred to by authorities as “violence as a service,” this alarming trend illustrates a disturbing commodification of violence.

The findings reveal that young aggressors are treated as expendable by the criminal enterprises that recruit them.

“This report illustrates the grim reality: criminal networks harbor a cynical view, regarding young individuals recruited for violent acts as mere tools,” notes Arvesen.

Those who evade immediate capture are often repurposed for subsequent assignments.

Kripos cites another incident involving a teenager en route to their first assignment:

“Later on, this individual was elevated to a key role in orchestrating another violent mission. Reasons for this transition remain unclear, but communications suggest they were encouraged to ‘make amends’ for their initial withdrawal by accepting new tasks.”

Preventing 30 Specific Missions

In a proactive effort, Kripos reports successfully preventing around 30 planned acts of violence this year.

Law enforcement has apprehended young males who are suspected of preparing for canceled missions across the country:

Investigations reveal that many of these young recruits may face violence or threats during, before, or after their assignments, with Sweden providing several troubling precedents.

While Kripos has yet to document physical violence against those who withdraw or fail assignments, the authorities suspect that unreported incidents likely exist.

“To what extent do you fear that this troubling trend from Sweden might spill over into Norway?”

Arvesen responds, “These criminal entities show little regard for borders; they are primarily market-driven. Thus, issues don’t simply start or stop at the Norwegian-Swedish border.” He warns, “Our assessment reveals a very real risk that similar occurrences could unfold in Norway.”

A Central Strategy

The threats targeting family members and loved ones are frequently articulated directly to the young recruits; however, Kripos has also documented cases where threats are issued straight to those close to them.

The recruitment of minors is portrayed as a central strategy among criminal organizations.

“Young recruits expand the operational reach of these networks, allowing them to establish a presence in geographic areas where they might not physically operate. As a society, it’s essential that we provide support to these youth,” Arvesen emphasizes.

Kripos also asserts that many young people feel trapped upon encountering criminal networks.

“When faced with the choice of breaking the law or risking the violent repercussions of these networks, they often opt for crime,” the report concludes.