Sweden charges Ildar Galiyev over gang violence

Sweden charged Ildar Galiyev, a 26-year-old described by media as a top gang boss, with masterminding a series of violent attacks linked to a dispute with a rival gang.

The Swedish Prosecution Authority said Galiyev is suspected of orchestrating almost a dozen murders and attempted murders during shootings and bombings in 2023 and 2024. He was extradited from Greece in February.

The authority said Galiyev is suspected of recruiting others, including young people, to carry out crimes. Prosecutor Mats Ihlbom told AFP: “I would say he is more of a perpetrator than those who carried out the acts.”

Media identified Galiyev, nicknamed “Scar”, as a top figure in the Stockholm-based Dalen Network. His trial is scheduled to begin on November 3 and continue until March 2027.

Among the allegations are the masterminding of a powerful bombing of a residential building that killed an innocent victim and the killing of an 18-year-old at a sports field in front of children.

Galiyev's lawyer, Markus Bergdahl, told AFP his client denied all charges.

Sweden has endured more than a decade of organised crime violence involving automatic weapons, grenades and explosives. Police have credited tougher legislation and efforts to pursue gang leaders abroad for a decline in shootings and bombings this year.