Denmark's Gang Crime Stats: A Closer Look at the Numbers

Denmark has been keeping a close eye on crime rates among immigrants and their descendants. Recent data shows that a large number of people convicted under the country's gang crime laws come from non-Western backgrounds. Between 2018 and 2025, 213 people were convicted under Section 81a of the Criminal Code. This law allows judges to double the sentence if a crime is linked to gang violence. Out of these convictions, 72% involved individuals with non-Western roots. This means that while only 15% of Denmark's population has a foreign background, they make up a much larger share of gang crime convictions. The data shows that Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, and Turkey are the most common countries of origin for those convicted of gang crimes. This has sparked discussions about cultural attitudes toward law and authority. Some researchers suggest that cultural differences might play a role in these statistics. Denmark's Prime Minister has warned about the dangers of uncontrolled immigration. She believes that if too many people who commit crimes and do not share Denmark's democratic values enter the country, it could threaten the nation's open society. The Danish People's Party is pushing for stricter immigration policies. They argue that mass immigration from the Middle East and North Africa has led to crime, parallel societies, and cultural changes. The party wants to see mass repatriations, citizenship reviews, and bans on certain Islamic practices. Denmark's approach to tracking crime data is unique. Unlike countries like Germany and France, Denmark keeps detailed records on the background of criminals. This data shows that second-generation migrants have higher crime rates than first-generation migrants, who already have higher crime rates than ethnic Danes.