Rising Bombings and Key Arrest Highlight Sweden's Violent Crime Trends in 2025

In 2025, Sweden saw a notable increase in violent crime centered around bombings, with 189 incidents reported, up from 136 in 2024. These bombings mainly targeted homes and businesses, serving as tools of intimidation rather than direct attempts at murder. According to police, this shift represents a form of "strategic violence," influenced by accessible armaments such as hand grenades and the recruitment of young offenders who are more inclined to use explosives than firearms due to skill constraints.

Despite a decrease in the number of completed bombings during the last quarter of 2025, cases involving the preparation for dangerous destruction rose to 240, outnumbering actual bombings. Authorities also confiscated more hand grenades than were detonated, indicating heightened law enforcement activity. Notably, there has been an encouraging increase in parental reports of youth at risk of engaging in serious criminal activities, facilitating preventive actions. Johan Olsson stressed the critical need to sustain and enhance this community-driven vigilance against crime.

In a related development highlighting the violent crime landscape, a 23-year-old Swedish man suspected of orchestrating a murder near the Örebro mosque was arrested in Cairo, Egypt, and extradited to Sweden. The suspect is linked to a broader wave of shootings and bombings in Örebro over the past year. Prosecutor Mats Ihlbom confirmed the arrest, which came after a red Interpol notice was issued. The man is connected to a shooting in August 2022 that resulted in a fatality outside the mosque and played a significant role within a criminal network rather than acting as the direct perpetrator.

Police Chief Anders Wiberg underscored Sweden's commitment to international cooperation in tracking down criminals abroad. Remarkably, the suspect has survived prior murder attempts and declined protective measures, citing multiple threats against his life. A detention hearing is scheduled shortly.

Together, these developments underscore a troubling rise in violent tactics in Sweden’s criminal underworld during 2025, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb the escalation through community engagement and international policing collaboration.