Updated 2025 Report Highlights Gang Crime Landscape in Sweden
The 2025 Swedish police report reveals around 67,500 individuals linked to gang crime, with no clear increase in activity despite updated data methods.
- • Approximately 67,500 individuals are connected to gangs, including 17,500 active criminals and 50,000 associates.
- • The increase in numbers reflects new data collection methods, not necessarily more crime.
- • 81% of active gang criminals are Swedish citizens with an average age of 28.
- • Police emphasize a combined legal and preventative approach to address gang crime.
Key details
A new report released by the Swedish police, presented at a press conference by Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer and Police Chief Petra Lundh, provides updated statistics on gang-related crime in Sweden for 2025. According to the report, approximately 67,500 individuals are either active or connected to gang-related violence. Of these, around 17,500 are active gang criminals, while an additional 50,000 individuals are linked to these networks. This marks an increase of 5,500 compared to the previous year's figures, which estimated 14,000 active criminals and 48,000 connected individuals.
The increase is largely attributed to revised data collection methods rather than a substantial growth in gang activity. Police Chief Lundh highlighted that no clear trends indicate an overall increase or decrease in gang crime levels. She stressed the importance of addressing gang-related issues and affirmed the police's commitment to countering the problem: "We within the police will do everything we can to turn this development around."
The demographics of active gang criminals show that 81% are Swedish citizens, 8% hold dual citizenship, and about 10-11% are solely foreign nationals. The average age of active gang criminals is 28, and approximately 6% are women. Lundh emphasized that combating community-threatening crime requires more than legal measures alone, advocating for preventative efforts targeting children and youth at risk of engaging in violence.
Justice Minister Strömmer acknowledged the gravity of the gang crime situation since his government's term began three years ago and highlighted increased collaboration with international law enforcement to apprehend gang leaders abroad. The updated statistical insights underscore the ongoing challenges Sweden faces in addressing gang crime, the complexities involved in data assessment, and the need for a coordinated societal response.