Swedish authorities revealed new figures about organized crime networks. A police assessment identifies 67,500 individuals connected to criminal gangs across Sweden. The report shows 17,500 actively involved criminals and 50,000 people with gang affiliations.
National Police Commissioner Petra Lundh described the numbers as alarmingly high. She stated police are working aggressively to reverse this trend. Lundh emphasized that prosecution alone cannot solve society-threatening crime. Preventing children and youth from entering criminal networks remains crucial, she noted.
The latest count represents an increase of 5,500 people compared to previous assessments. Police officials clarified this jump stems from methodological changes rather than actual growth in criminal numbers. Authorities refined their criteria for identifying gang connections, leading to more comprehensive tracking.
Active criminals must meet specific database criteria. They need involvement in serious criminal activities with others over substantial time periods. Current intelligence about their activities must also exist. Affiliated individuals meet one of two conditions: repeated connections to active criminals or recent suspicion of crimes with gang members.
This situation reflects broader Nordic crime prevention challenges. Sweden's gang violence has drawn international attention in recent years. The country faces particular difficulties with criminal networks in disadvantaged urban areas. Police work alongside social services and community organizations to address root causes.
Denmark's experience offers comparative perspective. Danish authorities registered 1,257 people connected to biker gangs or criminal groups at the end of 2023. The Swedish numbers appear substantially higher, though direct comparisons prove difficult due to different counting methods and population sizes.
Law enforcement strategy now combines targeted policing with prevention efforts. Police work offensively against existing networks while supporting early intervention programs. Officials stress that schools, social services and community groups play vital roles in keeping youth from criminal paths.
The updated assessment methods provide clearer understanding of criminal networks' scale. Better identification helps authorities allocate resources more effectively. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that solving organized crime requires both law enforcement and social prevention working together.
International readers should understand these developments within Sweden's broader security context. The country maintains low overall crime rates despite gang violence challenges. Most residents never encounter serious crime, though certain areas face persistent issues with criminal networks.
Police continue developing strategies to combat gang recruitment and violence. The latest report provides crucial data for shaping these efforts in coming years.