Criminals in Malmö now use powerful explosives with long fuses and large charges. They show little care for accurate addresses when targeting locations. These methods demonstrate complete disregard for civilian safety, according to police intelligence chief Mats Karlsson. He stated these attacks show how little criminals care about potential victims. The brutality reflects their indifference toward innocent bystanders.
Explosion numbers remain high but show complex patterns. During the late 2010s, Malmö recorded 180 bombings between 2016 and 2019. These figures come from the city's Stop the Shooting project. From 2020 through the present, authorities documented 72 explosions. The types of explosives have evolved significantly over this period.
Earlier incidents involved powerful firecrackers purchased online. Many of these products later became illegal. Recently, old hand grenades from former Yugoslavia have entered circulation. Karlsson noted someone stored these weapons and now recognizes their market value. The shift to military-grade weapons raises serious concerns.
Police provided conflicting explosion counts during their reporting. They initially confirmed 23 bombings in recent data. Later updates increased the number to 24 incidents. Authorities declined to disclose the location of one missing explosion. This omission prevented complete mapping of all incidents.
The situation reflects broader challenges in Swedish urban security. Malmö has struggled with organized crime for years. These bombings represent escalation in criminal tactics. Residents face growing anxiety about public safety. The use of military explosives suggests criminals access sophisticated supply chains.
Sweden's explosive regulations face new tests from these developments. Online sales previously enabled easy access to dangerous materials. Current laws struggle to address historical weapons from conflict zones. International cooperation may be necessary to stem the flow of Balkan war remnants.
Police resources strain under these complex investigations. Each bombing requires significant forensic work and community outreach. The Stop the Shooting initiative continues its prevention efforts. Yet criminals constantly adapt their methods and sources.
What comes next for Malmö's security situation? The answer depends on multiple factors. Law enforcement needs better intelligence about weapon smuggling. Communities require stronger trust in protection systems. Politicians must address root causes while supporting immediate interventions.