Crime and foreign nationals in Europe

 

Key Data on Suspected Offenders by Citizenship

Using the rate per 100,000 inhabitants, a consistent pattern of overrepresentation of non-nationals, particularly those from outside the EU, can be observed across many member states.

General Crime (All Offenses)

In countries like Germany, Austria, and France, the rate of non-national suspected offenders per 100,000 of their population is significantly higher than the rate for nationals.

• Germany (2023 data): The rate of suspected non-national offenders was approximately 3 to 4 times higher than for German nationals.

• Austria (2023 data): The rate of suspected non-national offenders was roughly 2.5 times higher than for Austrian nationals.

  Sweden: According to a 2021 study by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå), people born abroad were 2.5 times more likely to be registered as a crime suspect than those born in Sweden to two native-born parents. For those born in Sweden to two non-native parents, the relative risk was even higher at 3.2 times.
  
  Belgium: Data from the Vlaams Belang party, citing official figures, claimed in 2024 that non-nationals are 6 times more likely than Belgians to be registered as suspects for theft and extortion. This overrepresentation is particularly pronounced among certain nationalities.
  
  Denmark: A study from 2018 found that male immigrants from non-Western backgrounds had a conviction rate twice as high for crimes against the penal code compared to native Danish men. The report also highlights that while non-Western immigrants are overrepresented, a significant number of crimes are committed by individuals with Danish backgrounds.

  With "Gemini"