Reykjavík Area Break-Ins Linked To Organised Crime, Possibly Human Trafficking

The rash of break-ins that have plagued the Reykjavík area could be linked to organised crime in Europe, with some thieves possibly sent to Iceland against their will.

RÚV reports that four suspects are currently in police custody, under suspicion of taking part in the roughly 60 break-ins that have plagued the capital area since last December. Searches at two locations revealed stolen items, jewelry and cash valued at several million ISK.

Capital area police have been in touch with Europol in the hopes of finding more background information about the suspects. Karl Steinar Valsson, who represents the Reykjavík area police in their communications with Europol, told reporters that there is reason to believe that the men in custody are connected to organised crime in Europe.

However, there is also the possibility that human trafficking may be at work. One of the suspects is only 17-years-old, leading police to suspect that he may have been brought to Iceland against his will. As such, the human trafficking aspect is also being investigated.

As Grapevine reported, the break-ins in and around Reykjavík have gotten so bad that some people have taken matters into their own hands. These would-be vigilantes scour social media for posts offering items for sale, hoping to catch thieves in the act of trying to convert their loot to cash.