Male descendants of non-Western origin are significantly overrepresented in Danish crime statistics, surpassing even the first generation of immigrants, according to recent figures from the Ministry of Justice. In 2023, this group had a crime index of 262 for Penal Code offenses, meaning they were more than 2.6 times as likely to be convicted compared to what would be expected based on their size and age. For violent crimes specifically, the figure rises to 2.9 times.

Experts and officials express concern over these persistent trends, highlighting that socio-economic factors alone cannot fully explain the disparity. Research indicates that while crime among immigrants and descendants decreased in the 1990s, the decline was less pronounced for descendants of non-Western origin.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard has responded to the data by stating the need for stricter punishment for serious crimes, especially those committed by immigrants and their descendants. He emphasized that a broad parliamentary majority has agreed to a comprehensive penal reform to address this issue.

Cultural factors, such as differing views on violence and family upbringing, are also considered as potential contributors to the overrepresentation. Furthermore, descendants may experience a different sense of relative deprivation compared to their parents, potentially contributing to criminal behavior. The number of immigrants and descendants in Denmark has grown substantially since 1980, with certain groups, particularly those from MENAPT countries, drawing increased attention in discussions about integration and crime.