How Sweden's Multicultural Dream Went Fatally Wrong

By Colin Freeman, April 13, 2025

Sweden, once celebrated for its commitment to multiculturalism and humanitarian values, is grappling with an alarming surge in gang-related violence, particularly involving young people from migrant communities. Journalist Diamant Salihu, an investigative reporter for Sweden's SVT, sheds light on this troubling trend, presenting a stark picture of a society facing challenges that have escalated dramatically in recent years.

The Rise of Gang Violence

In recent times, Sweden has witnessed a rise in violence attributed to gang activities, with reports revealing a chilling shift towards younger perpetrators. Salihu explains this trend through alarming “murder ads” posted by gang leaders that offer bounties for contract killings. These ads, often decorated with emojis and flashy fonts, advertise sums of money that can entice even children, as Swedish law does not allow prosecution for those under 15 years of age.

Salihu, who has spent over a decade investigating this issue, emphasizes that society now faces a troubling crisis, with young teens increasingly becoming players in a dark underworld. “We have so many child soldiers that nobody can count anymore,” he remarks, highlighting the severity of the situation where children as young as 13 are being arrested for violent crimes.

Unanswered Questions

The motivations behind this drastic increase in violence remain complex and multifaceted. Salihu poses critical questions: Why has Sweden, a nation known for its stability and welcoming stance towards migrants, become a breeding ground for gang violence? What roles do Swedish society and migrant communities play in these developments?

Salihu's investigative work, illustrated in his two bestselling books, tackles these questions head-on. His first book, “Until Everyone Dies,” explores the violent conflict between two Somali street gangs, while his latest, “When Nobody’s Listening,” examines the intricate dynamics of organized crime in Sweden, particularly following the police's crackdown on the Encrochat messaging service utilized by criminals.

Changing Demographics and Crime

As Salihu analyzes Sweden's evolving demographics, he points out that the criminal landscape has shifted significantly. Traditional gangs, such as ageing biker clans, are being overshadowed by ethnic mafias primarily from the Balkans and the Middle East. Especially notable is the Kurdish-led Foxtrot group, which has made a name for itself in Sweden's drug trade and is infamous for its involvement in violence among youth.

The scale of violence has risen sharply, with recorded shootings doubling since 2021 and Sweden ranking just behind Albania in gun deaths per capita in Europe for the year 2022. ## The Role of Society

Salihu's insights delve into the root causes of this phenomenon, bringing attention to socioeconomic factors affecting marginalized communities. He notes that joblessness and discrimination in multicultural neighborhoods can hinder the prospects of youth, leading them to seek belonging and status through gang affiliation. He also critiques how popular media glamorizes gang life, often neglecting the grim realities that accompany such choices.

The pressure of failed integration programs, despite efforts by Swedish governments to prevent “parallel societies,” has also contributed to the problem. Salihu reflects on his childhood experience as a migrant and the stark contrast he observes in modern neighborhoods compared to his past. His personal narrative highlights a sense of growing segregation, which complicates the prospects for integration and education among migrant youth.

Choices and Consequences

Despite the societal and environmental factors, Salihu notes that some gang members consciously choose this lifestyle, even when provided with opportunities for a better future. Interviews with gang members reveal a conscious decision to pursue a path of crime and violence, complicating the narrative around victimhood and societal blame.

This decision-making process leads to a lethal cycle, where young recruits are documented performing violent acts, sometimes live-streamed to their peers as a form of warped validation within the gang culture. The media representation of these events also fuels a culture of idolization among youth, contributing to a cycle of violence that costs lives.

Addressing the Crisis

Salihu's investigation raises a pivotal question for Swedish society: How can the escalating violence be addressed effectively? While the government recognizes the unprecedented nature of the crisis, tackling it requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses social, economic, and cultural dimensions.

As Sweden reflects on its commitment to multiculturalism, the pressing concerns of violence and gang culture force a re-examination of integration practices and community support initiatives. Engaging youth in meaningful ways and addressing the root causes of discontent may hold the key to steering society towards a safer future.

In conclusion, Sweden stands at a crossroads, where the vision of a peaceful, multicultural society is challenged by the grim realities of gang violence. Through his journalism, Salihu invites reflection and action in a nation grappling with complex social issues, in hopes of reclaiming the multicultural dream that once inspired so many.