Oslo police have detained four men, including a prominent figure in the city's criminal underworld, on charges of conspiracy to commit murder. The arrests follow a violent incident and the circulation of a threatening video, exposing a dangerous feud within organized crime networks. The case highlights ongoing challenges for law enforcement in Norway's capital.
Shahbaz Dad, a 44-year-old previously convicted for ordering a murder, is among those held in custody. Police allege the plot targeted a man in his thirties from Oslo. Investigators believe the plan may be retaliation for an assault on Dad in October. A video surfaced after that incident showing the alleged target boasting about the violence.
In the video, translated from another language, the man states he assaulted Dad. He issues a stark warning to anyone discussing him or his family. The man declares, "You are either with me or against me." His legal representative declined to comment on the case. Dad's defense lawyer also offered no statement regarding the video or the allegations.
Police prosecutor Jon Inge Engesmo confirmed the investigation is linked to a conflict within a criminal environment. He stated the police are treating the case with high priority but declined to comment on specific details. The arrests stem from an event on November 14. Engesmo emphasized the early stage of the investigation.
This is not Dad's first major legal confrontation. He was previously convicted for commissioning the murder of Mohamed "Jeddi" Javed, a leader of the rival Young Guns gang. That conviction resulted in a 20-year prison sentence. The current allegations suggest his involvement in criminal activities has continued.
The other detained individuals have denied guilt. One is connected to what police describe as an enforcer network in eastern Norway. This network allegedly specializes in debt collection using violence and threats. Another suspect has a prior conviction for storing approximately 100 kilograms of hashish, with links to an internationally wanted drug baron.
The conflict between Dad and the Oslo man is described as long-standing. Sources indicate it has escalated recently, though the precise trigger remains unknown. The case underscores the persistent presence of organized crime groups in major Nordic cities, operating with high levels of violence and complex internal disputes. It represents a significant test for Oslo police's organized crime units.
Norway generally enjoys low crime rates, but organized crime presents a distinct challenge. Groups often engage in drug trafficking, extortion, and violent disputes over territory. This case reveals how personal conflicts within these groups can spill over into planned lethal violence, demanding substantial police resources to prevent.
The next steps involve formal charges from the prosecuting authority. The police must build a case strong enough to secure convictions for conspiracy to murder, a serious offense under Norwegian law. The investigation will likely examine phone records, financial transactions, and communications between the accused. The outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of the justice system's capacity to handle sophisticated criminal networks.