The percentage of crimes committed by migrants in European countries is a highly debated and politically sensitive topic, with data varying significantly by country, crime type, and methodology. Here’s a synthesized overview based on available studies and official reports:
1. General Trends (EU-Wide)
Migrant Overrepresentation: Migrants (especially non-EU nationals) are overrepresented in crime statistics in many European countries, but this varies by offense and integration levels.
Violent vs. Property Crimes: Overrepresentation is higher for violent crimes (e.g., assault, sexual offenses) than for property crimes (e.g., theft).
Key Factors: Socioeconomic marginalization, young male demographics, and underreporting in immigrant communities influence these rates.
2. Country-Specific Data
Germany
2022 Police Crime Report: Non-Germans (13% of the population) accounted for ~34% of suspects in reported crimes.
Non-EU migrants: 2x more likely to be suspects than Germans for violent crimes.
Sexual offenses: 11% of suspects were non-EU migrants (vs. 2% of the population).
Caveat: Includes tourists, undocumented migrants, and short-term residents.
Sweden
2023 Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (BRÅ):
Non-Western migrants: 2.5x more likely to be suspects in violent crimes than native-born Swedes.
Gang violence: 90% of shootings linked to migrant-dominated gangs in marginalized areas.
France
2018 Ministry of Interior Report: First- and second-generation immigrants were overrepresented in prison populations (estimated 40–50% of inmates vs. ~10% of the population).
UK
2020 Home Office Report: Foreign nationals made up 14% of prisoners (vs. 9% of the population).
Denmark
2021 Danish Justice Ministry: Non-Western migrants and descendants were 3x more likely to be convicted of crimes than ethnic Danes.
Italy
2023 ISTAT Data: Foreigners (8.7% of the population) accounted for ~30% of thefts but 14% of homicides.
3. Key Nuances
Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and segregation correlate more strongly with crime rates than migration status alone.
Cultural Clashes: Honor-based violence or gender norms in some communities contribute to overrepresentation in sexual offenses.
Reporting Bias: Police may focus more on migrant-heavy neighborhoods, inflating statistics.
Legal Status: Undocumented migrants are less likely to report crimes (e.g., domestic violence).
4. Controversies
Right-Wing Narratives: Often highlight migrant crime to justify restrictive policies.
Left-Wing Responses: Argue systemic discrimination skews data and demand integration-focused solutions.
5. Sources
Germany: Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
Sweden: BRÅ reports.
France: National Institute for Statistics (INSEE).
UK: Home Office, Ministry of Justice.
Denmark: Ministry of Justice.







