Norway tackles youth crime after three attacks in two weeks
Norwegian authorities confront rising youth violence as criminal networks recruit children for attacks. Police have made multiple arrests following grenade explosions and shootings in recent weeks. The government faces calls for both preventive measures and stricter enforcement.
Norwegian authorities are responding to three violent attacks within two weeks. Police have arrested eight teenagers following a grenade attack in Oslo on September 23 and a shooting in Sarpsborg on September 30.
Another explosion occurred early Tuesday morning when a grenade was thrown into a restaurant at Strømmen, east of Oslo. Police arrested two men aged 18 and 19 in what they believe was a targeted attack.
Criminal networks fighting for control of drug markets are recruiting children as young as 12-13 years old to carry out retaliation and intimidation, according to police reports.
Most recruits are young offenders already known to police and child protection services. Others have no previous vulnerability history but became radicalized online.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated, 'When vulnerable children become a danger to society, we must protect society.' He made this declaration after meeting with police leaders following the explosion in Pilestredet.
The Justice Ministry is preparing new legal measures. Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen said authorities must ensure police have the tools needed to prevent and detect when children are being recruited.
Støre emphasized that significantly increased funding for criminal police has created a new, coordinated effort against criminal networks. He said police need sophisticated investigators who can operate online and obtain information from other parts of society.
Conservative Party justice spokesperson Mahmoud Farahmand accused the government of paralysis and naivety after the latest explosion. He called for stricter penalties and closed institutions for young offenders.
Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug expressed deep concern about developments she says resemble the situation in Sweden. She demanded concrete solutions and political action to reclaim public safety.
Child protection institutions reported a sharp increase in coercive measures during 2024 supervision of facilities in Oslo, Akershus, Buskerud and Østfold. The state administrator checked nearly 5,700 decisions about coercion and restrictions last year.
Police describe the most active youth criminals in Oslo as boys from minority backgrounds who experienced violence at home or elsewhere. Police Chief Ida Melbo Øystese said preventing violence in close relationships and addressing social exclusion are crucial to stopping youth recruitment into crime.
Interdisciplinary teams in Oslo police work on preventive measures for violence-exposed youth to reduce repeated and serious violence. They coordinate with welfare services, child protection, and healthcare providers.
The 'Oslo model' is being expanded nationwide. Youth aged 12-18 registered for repeated crimes receive close follow-up by dedicated professionals and support systems. This can involve up to 50 contact points weekly through phone calls and monitoring.
Norway's criminal investigation service is working intensely to uncover violence contracts distributed through encrypted messaging services like Telegram and Signal. Officials believe they have prevented dozens of assignments.
The government faces pressure to balance child protection with public safety as criminal networks increasingly exploit minors. The situation reveals how organized crime adapts to law enforcement methods while targeting society's most vulnerable members.