Sweden's Shadow Arms Market: Pirated Guns Fuel Gang Violence

Sweden is witnessing the rise of a clandestine arms market, fueled by pirated pistols originating from hidden factories, during its most violent gang war years. Svenska Dagbladet (SvD) reveals how these weapons are flooding into the country, readily acquired by criminals for use in murders, attempted murders, and terrorist acts.

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A new arms market has emerged in the quiet during the bloodiest year of the gang war in Sweden.

The grim reality of this new market is illustrated by a tragic incident from the previous year. A 16-year-old, identified only as Rio, was shot and killed while walking through a tunnel with friends in Fruängen. Another friend was wounded in the leg but survived. The perpetrators were described as black-clad teenagers, with one firing nine shots.

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Weapons that criminals acquire for murder, attempted murder, and terror attacks.

Crucially, the victims in this instance had no known connection to gang activities. The murder was reportedly ordered by a criminal gang, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence. This brutal act represents a profound tragedy for Rio's family and friends, highlighting the devastating consequences of the escalating arms trade and gang warfare in Sweden.

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The boys who were shot that evening last year in Fruängen had no connection to gang crime.