A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in Western Sydney on suspicion of attempting to recruit contract killers online as part of an international gang conflict in the Nordic region. The teenager, originally from Sweden, faces charges that carry the possibility of a life sentence.
The arrest took place on Wednesday morning following a multinational police operation involving authorities from Australia, Denmark, and Sweden. The boy is alleged to have used an encrypted messaging application to broker a “cash for killing” arrangement for contract hits in Denmark and Sweden. This form of “crime-as-a-service” enables offenders to outsource violent crimes through online forums and social media platforms.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) initiated the investigation earlier this month after Danish police alerted them to a foreign national residing in Australia who was linked to contract killing plans in Europe. The cooperation between the three countries signals a coordinated approach to tackling cross-border criminal networks.
Danish Police Deputy Chief Superintendent Lars Feldt-Rasmussen, of the National Special Crime Unit, emphasised the collaborative effort, stating, “While in Australia, the young man is suspected of having attempted to recruit people to commit contract killings in Denmark and Sweden as part of ongoing gang conflicts in the Nordic region.” He noted that the boy was charged under both Australian and Danish law with two counts of using telecommunications devices to conspire to murder—charges that could lead to life imprisonment.
Australian Federal Police Commander Brett James highlighted the limitations of criminals’ reliance on encrypted communications. Speaking to the Independent, he said, “If you think you can use geography to evade law enforcement, you’re mistaken – the AFP and its partners are always watching, sharing intelligence and ready to apprehend those who wish to harm our communities.”
The investigation is still active, with authorities aiming not only to dismantle the recruitment link but also to identify the individuals believed to have influenced the teenager’s actions. Deputy Chief Superintendent Feldt-Rasmussen added, “With this operation, we have taken a recruitment link in the crime chain out of play, but we are not finished yet. We are also targeting those we suspect of having controlled the 15-year-old. Together with our international partners, we are hunting those who commit crimes against Denmark and the Nordic region – including those hiding abroad.”
Following his arrest, the boy appeared in a Sydney children’s court where bail was formally refused. He is scheduled to return to court on 11 June. The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing organised crime that utilises digital platforms to conduct serious offences across borders.
Source: Noah Wire Services