Denmark issues nationwide ban on criminal gang

COPENHAGEN – Danish police say prosecutors have given them permission to issue a nationwide ban on a criminal gang, even before a court case aimed at dissolving it.

Prosecutor Ida Soerensen said Tuesday the Constitution enables a ban on Loyal to Familia (LTF), because it has “such violent and criminal behaviour that (authorities) must intervene right away with an administrative ban.”

LTF has been behind gang feuds, violence, robberies, extortion and drug sales in Copenhagen.

Soerensen said the ban, effective immediately, would be upheld until an upcoming court case. That is expected to dissolve the group, if prosecutors can prove that the members of the gang work as an “association” and that it uses violence or urges its use.

Soerensen said anyone wearing an LTF logo could face prosecution.