A man in his twenties was discharged from hospital but remains under medical care after a violent attack in Tromsø. His legal representative confirmed he was not the intended target of the assault.
"They simply got the wrong man," his lawyer stated. "He suffered injuries requiring surgery and organ removal. This is expected to cause permanent damage."
The victim is described as a working man with his life in order, not involved in criminal circles. Police are investigating why he became the target of such violence.
Authorities believe the man was drawn into an underlying criminal conflict because of his connection to someone directly involved. Three suspects were arrested on September 18 around 3:00 AM after police stopped a dark BMW on the E6 highway in Fossbakken, Lavangen.
The driver has been released while two others remain in custody. All three suspects are residents of Oslo.
Police now suspect organized criminal networks may be behind the attack, possibly operating as "crime as a service" where violence is commissioned. However, investigators emphasize it's too early to draw conclusions.
None of the three suspects have chosen to explain themselves in interrogations, and all deny criminal guilt through their legal representatives.
The victim's lawyer described how the attack unfolded. "My client had temporary accommodation in the apartment where he was attacked. When he collapsed from the severe violence, the perpetrators fled."
Despite critical injuries, the man remained conscious and contacted emergency services along with another person present in the apartment.
The case highlights how ordinary citizens can become collateral damage in criminal conflicts they have no part in. The victim now faces both physical recovery and mental challenges following the traumatic experience.