The Norwegian police have issued a threat assessment for 2026, noting that criminal networks pose a significant and persistent threat, particularly concerning the exploitation of young people. These networks are increasingly recruiting minors for serious violent tasks in Norway, raising concerns about general safety in both public and digital spaces. This recruitment reflects a high degree of cynicism among these criminal groups.

Recent events indicate a troubling escalation in violence, with incidents involving hand grenades and firearms in public spaces peaking last fall. The police connect these violent operations primarily to Swedish criminal networks, illustrating a cross-border dimension to the problem. The disturbing trend of involving minors in violent crimes highlights the networks' tactics of enticing them with a lifestyle based on status, loyalty, and financial gain.

The police stress that these violent assignments can now be advertised, planned, and executed in impressively short time frames, sometimes within as little as ten days. This development underscores the urgency for law enforcement to address these issues comprehensively, as the implications for public safety and community trust are profound, pushing for enhanced vigilance and intervention strategies against organized crime that exploits vulnerable youth.