The sunny streets of Marbella and its surroundings, where tourists usually enjoy beach holidays, have in recent years become the scene of violent clashes involving individuals from Sweden. A recent case in which a young rapper from Stockholm was killed in broad daylight became just another link in a series of such incidents. The perpetrator, also a Swedish citizen, was detained almost immediately after the attack; however, the reasons for the conflict remain unclear.
Local law enforcement points out that such incidents no longer come as a surprise. In recent years, the Málaga coast has seen numerous cases linked to the activities of Scandinavian criminal groups. Not only firearms, but explosives are being used, and the number of those detained is in the dozens. The majority of these conflicts are driven by the struggle for control over drug trafficking, as well as disputes over debts, failed deals, and attempts to seize a larger share of the market.
New faces and methods: Sweden’s criminal export
The surge of violence that began in Sweden in the early 2010s has gradually reached Spain. On the Costa del Sol, gangs with names familiar from Scandinavian crime reports are operating, and their members are increasingly involved in shootings and assassination attempts. Police note that the participants include not only seasoned criminals, but also very young people, sometimes even minors. Some come to the coast to hide out or conduct business, while others arrive with the specific goal of eliminating rivals.
There is particular concern about the trend of hiring so-called “contract killers” who are not always directly affiliated with gangs. Young people, often without a criminal background, are recruited for one-off crimes, using modern technology for communication and coordination. In some cases, the perpetrators are teenagers who are easy to persuade and difficult to track in encrypted messaging apps.
Youth and Criminal Innovation
In recent years, police have encountered new schemes: entire family groups, including minors, organize the recruitment of perpetrators via the internet. In one case, a teenager from Alicante led a group that sought “workers” to eliminate competitors. Legal proceedings in such cases are held both in Spain and Sweden, and penalties for minors remain relatively lenient.
Experts note that criminal phenomena originating in one country are quickly spreading across Europe. Spain, due to its climate and geographical location, has become attractive to criminal elements from northern countries. As a result, shootings are increasingly occurring on the streets of resort towns, with both locals and tourists witnessing dangerous situations.
Challenges for police and society
Authorities in Spain and Sweden are strengthening cooperation to counter a new wave of crime. Special units are being created to investigate contract killings and clashes between foreign gangs. However, experts warn that if this trend continues, not only participants in criminal conflicts, but also random bystanders could be at risk. For now, Costa del Sol remains both a tourist paradise and a stage for dangerous showdowns that, not long ago, seemed impossible in Spain.
