Austria has seen a sharp rise in reported rape cases since 2015, with foreign nationals now accounting for just under half of all suspects, according to Interior Ministry data.
The number of reported rapes increased from 826 in 2015 to 1,359 in 2024—an increase of around 64.5%. Over the same period, the number of suspects rose from 688 to 1,196.
Although figures for 2025 show a slight drop to 1,147 suspects, the total remains well above 2015 levels.
The data also shows a clear shift in the composition of suspects. In 2015, foreign nationals accounted for 36.3% of suspects (250 cases), compared with 63.7% Austrian nationals. By 2025, the foreign share had risen to 46.9%, with Austrians accounting for 53.1%, while foreign nationals make up 20.5% of the population.
In absolute terms, the number of Austrian suspects increased from 438 in 2015 to 609 in 2025, a rise of 39%. Over the same period, the number of foreign suspects rose by 115%.
Among foreign nationals, Syrian suspects have recorded the largest increase. Three Syrian nationals were registered as suspects in 2015, compared with 92 in 2024 and 101 in 2025. Syrians are now the largest group among foreign suspects. Afghans account for around 50 cases annually, while suspects from Turkey and Romania are also regularly recorded.
According to the Interior Ministry, asylum seekers account for a share of suspects, with recent figures indicating around 66 to 69 cases per year. However, the data does not separately record individuals granted asylum or subsidiary protection.
The ministry also does not collect data on migration background. Individuals holding Austrian citizenship are recorded simply as “Austrian,” regardless of place of birth or parental origin.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl posted on social media: “Crime is escalating: Almost every second suspect comes from abroad! The fact is: The government has completely lost control!”
His party added in a separate post: “A shocking testimony to the total failure of the black-red-pink federal government. For years, we Freedomites have warned against imported crime—now the rubble lies before us in black and white. The ÖVP, SPÖ, NEOS, and Greens have made Austria less safe!”
