Police in western Sweden have for the first time classified certain risk supporter groups as criminal networks. This includes the hooligan network Wiseman in Gothenburg. The decision is based on EU criteria for organized crime to strengthen efforts against sports-related crime.
Police chief Jens Ahlstrand of the intelligence unit in the west said there has been a negative development in supporter culture in the area. In the past two years, several investigations have been conducted against hooligan firms and ultras groups linked to serious assault, attempted extortion, weapons offenses, serious theft, and cases where minors have been drawn into crime. The aim of the new classifications is to stop young people from being drawn into violent environments and protect associations from undue influence.
there has been a negative development in supporter culture in the area
Ahlstrand said the classification makes it possible to more clearly highlight the problem. Recent reporting has shown how youths fight for status in the Wiseman hooligan firm and how adults recruit minors into closed and violent environments, material that has been part of the police's overall assessment. Ahlstrand said supporter culture is fundamentally something to cherish, but it requires seeing these groups for what they actually are.
SVT has contacted the supporter clubs involved.
The aim of the new classifications is to stop young people from being drawn into violent environments and protect associations from undue influence
the classification makes it possible to more clearly highlight the problem
supporter culture is fundamentally something to cherish, but it requires seeing these groups for what they actually are