Iceland’s Struggle Against Organised Crime: A Grim Report
The analysis division of the National Commissioner of Police has released its first comprehensive report in four years on the state of organised crime in Iceland, and the findings are stark. Organised crime has not only taken root but has flourished in the country, with the number of criminal groups surging by 50% over the past decade. Today, authorities estimate the existence of around twenty such groups, each marked by its distinct size and structure but united by a singular malicious intent.
These groups range from those formed by long-standing friendships to others with connections to international criminal organisations. The report underscores a troubling escalation in the nature of criminal activities, with Karl Steinar Valsson, the head of the analysis division, pinpointing the so-called Rauðagerði case as a significant turning point. This incident involved a brutal execution outside a man’s home, an act that symbolised a dark shift in the criminal landscape.
“This was a clear execution, part of a violent settling of accounts,” Valsson remarked, highlighting how the boundaries of permissible behaviour have since been erased. Criminal groups have seized upon every opportunity, exploiting vulnerabilities, particularly among children, young people, and asylum seekers. Over the period addressed in the report, twelve thousand foreigners arrived in Iceland, seeking work or protection—a development that these groups have exploited to their advantage.
“This changes everything completely. Our systems are not equipped to handle this influx, creating difficulties that criminals are quick to capitalise on. To them, human life holds little value,” Valsson stated, capturing the grim reality faced by many.
Moreover, violence has surged, becoming increasingly visible in public spaces such as restaurants, with a marked decline in concern for nearby civilians. “In a remarkably short time, we’ve seen a rise in brutality,” he added.
The importation and sale of drugs remain the primary profit sources for organised crime. According to the report, a vast majority of drugs globally are transported by sea, yet in Iceland, only a minuscule percentage of incoming containers are scanned—using a scanner that has been in operation for sixteen years. This glaring oversight leaves the country highly susceptible to drug influx.
“The market for drugs is relatively stable, and drug seizures have had limited impact. What matters most is seizing the financial proceeds, and that is the direction we need to pursue,” Valsson explained. This challenge is not unique to Iceland; it resonates globally as authorities grapple with how to curtail the financial gains of drug trafficking. As highlighted by Europol’s director, no nation can combat this threat in isolation; international cooperation is essential.
“Fundamentally, this is a significant societal challenge, especially given the alarming connections to our youth,” Valsson emphasised. The report notes with concern that the primary criminal threat in Northern Norway comes from Swedish gangs, serving as a cautionary tale of how these groups exploit minors to perpetrate violence.
This trend is now emerging in Iceland, prompting a call to action. Valsson stated, “The signs we see in Sweden have started to surface here, necessitating urgent intervention.”
Meanwhile, the links between Icelandic organised crime and groups in Spain and Southern Europe are well-documented, but there has been a noticeable shift; Nordic gangs are increasingly eyeing Iceland as a new arena for their operations.
“Spain has supplanted the Netherlands as a key hub, although the use of drug mules from there has declined,” noted Valsson. Furthermore, Swedish gangs are not only moving toward Iceland but are also offering violent services, including targeted attacks against police officers.
“Last summer, we turned away four individuals at the border based on intelligence that they were en route to commit serious offences,” Valsson revealed, a reminder of the challenges authorities face in safeguarding the nation’s integrity.
Adding to the disquiet, the report expresses concern over the few convictions secured for organised crime—only two under existing legislation—a discrepancy that does not align with the harsh realities observed. Valsson argues for urgent amendments to the law, which must evolve alongside the rapidly changing tactics employed by criminal groups.
“Criminals now seek expert advice on how to optimise their operations for maximum profit. Although the current provisions were relatively recent, they no longer suffice, and securing convictions has eluded us,” he asserted.
Finally, the report criticises Icelandic courts for granting anonymity to those who purchase prostitution, a practice Valsson argues undercuts efforts to combat this issue. “This is an Icelandic peculiarity and not seen elsewhere. Rather than offering anonymity, publishing names could serve as a deterrent,” he concluded.
As Iceland grapples with this pressing dilemma, the need for a cohesive and robust response has never been more urgent. The fight against organised crime demands unwavering resolve and a commitment to ongoing vigilance in the face of an evolving threat.
