Iraqi authorities handed over to Sweden a "very dangerous" gang leader wanted for murder, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking. Swedish police officially thanked Iraq for this security cooperation.
In a statement issued on Saturday (October 25, 2025), Swedish police confirmed that "this step comes as a result of the close security cooperation between the two countries following the recent visit of Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari to Stockholm."
The statement quoted Swedish Deputy Police Commander Steven Hector as saying, "We would like to thank Iraq for this cooperation," noting that "an influential criminal figure has been handed over to Sweden, and this demonstrates the effectiveness of the partnership between our two countries."
The statement indicated that "security cooperation between the two sides has yielded tangible results in pursuing dangerous wanted individuals and strengthening joint efforts to combat organized crime."
It is worth noting that the Iraqi Ministry of Interior has signed several memoranda of cooperation and understanding with Arab and friendly countries, which have had a positive impact in dismantling criminal networks and extraditing international fugitives.
On the 10th of this month, Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari signed a comprehensive security memorandum of understanding with Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömer.
The ministry stated in a statement that "Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari signed a comprehensive security memorandum of understanding with Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömer in the Swedish capital, Stockholm," indicating that "the memorandum of understanding aims to enhance bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Sweden in the field of law enforcement and combating transnational organized crime."
It added that "during the meeting, which is part of Al-Shammari's official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, ways to develop security relations between the two countries and joint coordination were discussed on several issues of mutual interest, most notably combating drug trafficking, financial crimes and money laundering, arms and explosives smuggling, as well as cybersecurity, training, and the exchange of information and expertise."
During the meeting, according to the statement, Al-Shammari urged "the Swedish government to reopen its embassy in the capital, Baghdad, given the importance of this step in strengthening diplomatic and security relations and facilitating direct cooperation between government institutions in the two countries."
Al-Shammari emphasized that "the memorandum of understanding represents a new starting point toward an effective security partnership between Iraq and Sweden," noting that "the Ministry of Interior is continuing to expand the scope of international cooperation in the field of combating crime and strengthening the capabilities of its security and intelligence institutions, which will contribute to protecting communities from cross-border threats."
Iraq hands over 'very dangerous' gang leader to Sweden
