How Sweden’s Multicultural Dream Went Fatally Wrong

By Colin Freeman | April 13, 2025

In recent years, Sweden has witnessed a troubling surge in gang violence, raising pressing questions about the effectiveness of its longstanding multicultural policies. Recent reports highlight alarming trends, including the disturbing emergence of “murder ads,” where gang leaders offer bounties for contract killings, often targeting young recruits.

The Rise of Gang Violence

Journalist Diamant Salihu, known for his investigative reporting on gang crime in Sweden, illustrates the gravity of the situation. He shares mobile phone messages that resemble spam but reveal an ominous reality. These ads, decorated with pistol and skull emojis, invite anyone willing to commit murders for as much as one million Swedish krona (approximately £78,000). Salihu emphasizes that a significant number of those involved in these crimes are minors, owing to Swedish laws that protect those under 15 from prosecution.

The surge in gang-related crimes has transformed Salihu’s work into what he describes as a “giant, unsolved murder mystery.” Once considered a paragon of peace and prosperity, Sweden is now grappling with unprecedented violence, leading the nation to question whether the issues stem from society as a whole or the migrant communities within it.

Unpacking the Crisis

Salihu has explored this complex issue in two bestselling books. His first, “Until Everyone Dies,” examined a violent conflict between Somali gangs, while his latest work, “When Nobody’s Listening,” dissects the organized crime landscape through police investigations into encrypted communication networks, such as EncroChat.

The investigation into gang violence has revealed stark contrasts between rising crime rates in Sweden and other European nations. In 2022 alone, the country recorded 62 gun-related fatalities, a rate twice that of England and Wales, which have a population six times larger.

Once-dominant biker gangs are losing ground to ethnic mafias from regions like the Balkans and the Middle East. The Kurdish-led Foxtrot group has played a significant role in the drug trade and is known for its innovative use of online platforms to recruit youths for violent acts.

A Changing Demographic

Salihu notes that the current wave of gang involvement is not limited to migrant youths; native Swedish teenagers are also joining, often from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. The landscape is shifting, reflecting broader societal challenges such as unemployment and systemic discrimination. The glorification of gang lifestyles in media further complicates this issue, painting an alluring picture of wealth and power while neglecting the associated trauma and consequences.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has acknowledged the severity of the crisis, stating, “Sweden has never seen anything like it before.” As authorities struggle to maintain control in the face of increasing violence, even smaller towns in Sweden are not immune, facing rising incidents of shootings and bombings.

Failing to Integrate

Historically, Sweden has prided itself on its humanitarian commitment to welcoming refugees and immigrants since the 1960s. However, Salihu argues that despite extensive social integration initiatives, parallel societies have developed, preventing genuine integration. Speaking from personal experience, Salihu describes how his own neighborhood underwent significant changes, with most children now from migrant backgrounds, affecting language acquisition and educational opportunities.

Reflecting on the current state of affairs, he notes that while Swedish communities remain open to migrants, there’s often a reluctance to share living spaces, contributing to increased segregation.

A Personal Reflection

Salihu recounts his childhood experiences in Kosovo before his family fled to Sweden during the war. The contrast between his integration experience and the current realities faced by migrant youth in Sweden is stark. He observes that while he had access to a diverse group of peers, today’s children are often isolated within their communities, creating barriers to cultural exchange and understanding.

Moreover, many youths from backgrounds with greater opportunities are still choosing paths leading to gang involvement. Salihu highlights that “they’ve had all the opportunities,” yet some opt for a lifestyle characterized by violence and crime.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of contract killings, often documented on social media, has revealed a disturbing acceptance of gang culture among youths. With growing participation in violent crimes, including contract killings often filmed and broadcast, the challenge facing Sweden is unprecedented. As various factors contribute to this crisis, the pressing question remains: what steps can be taken to address these systemic issues and reshape the future of Sweden's multicultural fabric?

The answer may hold the key to whether Sweden can reclaim its identity as a peaceful and prosperous nation or continue to grapple with the repercussions of a multicultural dream gone awry.