The Swedish government is advancing a major penal reform that includes double penalties for crimes linked to criminal networks, set to take effect this summer. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer calls it the largest reform in modern times, but researchers warn of a lack of evidence for its effectiveness and high costs.
The Swedish government, led by Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M), is presenting a comprehensive penal reform as part of the Tidö Agreement. The reform includes penalty increases for about 50 crimes, but the most significant change is the proposal for double penalties for gang-related offenses. These penalties will apply to crimes connected to criminal networks, including explosions, shootings, drug sales, fraud, and crimes against the welfare system.
Henrik Vinge (SD), chair of the justice committee, explains: "The provision strikes broadly and will hit everything from explosions, shootings, drug sales, frauds, and crimes targeting the welfare system." As a baseline, penalties are doubled, but the level can vary depending on the individual's connection to the group. For example, a series of serious frauds in a gang context could result in six years in prison instead of three, and possession of a loaded firearm eight years instead of four. The rules will cover both organized crime and loosely formed networks, including outsiders performing tasks.
Vinge adds: "It's not about first assessing if a person is a gang criminal, but looking at the specific crime and whether it was committed in an organized context."
Additional changes include life sentences for repeated serious rapes, as well as for extremely serious assault and serious rape against children. Strömmer emphasizes a shift in perspective: "This major overhaul is based on an important shift—from an overly one-sided focus on the perpetrator to a clearer focus on crime victims and society's need to protect itself against serious crime." He adds: "Simply put, we want criminals to be locked up so that law-abiding people dare to go out."
The government wants the laws to take effect on July 3 this year, despite the original investigation by National Police Chief Petra Lundh pointing to 2028. Strömmer says: "We assess that it can be done in such a way that the expansion of the Prison Service matches this."
Criticism comes from Danish criminologist David Sausdal, who questions the effectiveness: "There is no evidence that the measure has an effect." He warns: "It costs exceptionally much and you don't get much for the money."
The reform also includes stricter assessment of multiple offenses and tightened detention rules.
