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After an extensive reconnaissance and interception operation, a 24-year-old member of the criminal group Märstanätverket was reportedly brought to justice this week. The accusations related, among other things, to the organized sale of alcohol to young people on a large scale.
But the Attunda District Court decided to cancel. In this way, eight young people who were called as witnesses were allowed to stay at home.
A few minutes Before the trial began Thursday morning, the 24-year-old gang member called the court and announced that he had been prevented. This, in turn, was due, according to the man himself, because he now has a job as a truck driver.
The court decided to accept the explanation, despite the fact that the man did not present an employer certificate. Before that, a 17-year-old co-defendant had stated that he had shown symptoms of covid-19, which was also not supported by a certificate.
A new attempt was made to start negotiations on Friday after the 24-year-old promised to appear. But then another problem arose: the police called to testify were unable to participate.
– It’s very sad that it happened this way, especially considering the many young witnesses, says Councilor Elin Awerstedt.
The court has legal opportunities to request that the police pick up a missing defendant. But Elin Awerstedt says the practice is to wait until a possible second chance.
– I think this sends a dubious signal. If the court had wanted a recovery, we would have solved it in a very short time, says Martin Wallin, operational coordinator against organized crime within the Sollentuna police.
When a new test can be held is currently unclear.
– I hope it is as soon as possible, because of course I want to move forward in the case, says the prosecutor Martin Westling, who is critical of the fact that the court did not allow the young people to testify on the first day as planned.
– Of course, it has been a great tension for them to go and wait for this and then I think it would have been good for them to complete it as planned.
The 24-year-old will soon risk a new trial, now for blue light sabotage. On Sunday he was arrested, suspected of having broken the tires of a police car parked in Märsta. Following a decision by prosecutors, the 24-year-old was released pending further investigation.
Read more:
The network emerged when the police looked the other way.
Criminal gangs are linked to attacks on the municipality and the police
