Swedish and Polish police have collaborated to dismantle an international organized crime ring responsible for stealing nearly 70 motorcycles and ATVs worth approximately five million Swedish kronor. According to reports, eight individuals have been charged for their involvement in the thefts, which primarily occurred in the Dalarna region and other parts of central Sweden.
The investigation reportedly began when a man in Leksand had two motorcycles and an ATV stolen. The ATV contained a hidden GPS tracker, allowing the owner to trace the vehicle as it traveled to Poland. Polish police were contacted and conducted a raid at the location where the ATV had stopped, discovering 20 stolen vehicles that were subsequently seized.
Six of the eight charged individuals are reportedly in custody for aggravated theft, with all suspects facing a total of 138 criminal charges. The suspects are said to be citizens of Sweden, Finland, and Poland, though all grew up in Sweden. Police have seized approximately 70 motorcycles and ATVs, four cars, clothing, mobile phones, motorcycle equipment, and 250,000 kronor in cash.
Investigators indicate connections to international organized crime, with foreign principals suspected of directing the operation and hiring Swedes to carry out the thefts. Three additional individuals in Poland are under suspicion but remain at liberty for the time being.