Sweden is considering transferring convicted criminals to foreign prisons as a response to its escalating crime crisis. A government-commissioned investigation, launched in December 2023, concluded that there are no legal barriers preventing Sweden from leasing prison spaces abroad. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer announced the findings on Wednesday, emphasising that negotiations with potential host countries are already underway.
The proposal follows a surge in violent crime, particularly linked to gang activity, which has pushed Sweden’s prisons to capacity. The number of prison sentences issued in 2023 increased by 25% compared to the previous year, with a total of nearly 200,000 months of incarceration. By 2033, Swedish authorities estimate they will need 27,000 prison beds—more than double the current 11,000.
Sweden’s crime crisis has been exacerbated by gang-related bombings and shootings, fueled by a significant migration influx in recent years, which have left police and the judiciary overwhelmed. The first month of 2025 alone has seen 30 bombings, largely attributed to gang extortion activities.
The government has responded with increasingly stringent measures, including a proposal to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals involved in organised crime. By 2026, new citizenship criteria will mandate an eight-year residency period, a clean criminal record, and proof of financial independence to ensure that only those who contribute positively to society can call Sweden home.
Amidst rising security concerns, the killing of anti-Islam activist Salwan Momika on Wednesday has also heightened tensions in Sweden. Momika, who had previously sparked outrage across Muslim countries by burning the Quran, was shot dead in Södertalje while livestreaming on TikTok. His death has prompted speculation about foreign involvement, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledging a potential international dimension to the murder.
The Sweden Democrats, whose support is crucial for the centre-right government, have been a driving force behind the current policies, advocating tougher measures on crime and immigration. Their influence is evident in recent proposals targeting non-citizen criminals and stricter requirements for acquiring Swedish nationality.
