Gang Leader Arrested in Spain Suspected of Orchestrating Stockholm Restaurant Murder

Spanish police have arrested Emin Muqa Kulic, a 21-year-old man suspected of leading a criminal gang and orchestrating violent crimes in Sweden. Kulic was apprehended near Barcelona over the weekend, following an extensive investigation. He had been on Europol's list of most wanted fugitives since the spring.

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It was a planned operation that was preceded by extensive investigative measures.

Prosecutors in Sweden have charged Kulic with approximately 20 offenses, including serious violent crimes. He is accused of recruiting and directing young individuals to carry out these acts. Among the alleged crimes is the murder of a 25-year-old man at the Tre Vänner restaurant in Stockholm in 2024, where a 13-year-old boy reportedly carried out the shooting.

Kulic is linked to the Dalen network, a criminal organization implicated in a surge of violence in Sweden during 2024. Another alleged gang leader, Mikael Ahlström Tenezos, who was arrested in Mexico last fall, is also suspected in the same case. Swedish prosecutors hope to bring a joint indictment against both men in the autumn.

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He is detained for about 20 criminal charges. It concerns serious violent crimes where he, together with others, is alleged to have directed young people to commit the acts.

Sweden has formally requested Kulic's extradition. "It is very important for our entire case that the 21-year-old has been arrested," said prosecutor Ida Arnell. "Hopefully, he will be extradited in accordance with our arrest warrant, and we can continue working on the cases he is suspected of."

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It is very important for our entire case that the 21-year-old has been arrested. Hopefully, he will be extradited in accordance with our arrest warrant, and we can continue working on the cases he is suspected of.