Non-Western immigrants and their descendants in Denmark account for a disproportionate number of violent crime convictions, comprising 30% of gross violence judgments in 2024. This is according to recent figures from a parliamentary response provided by Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard.

The data reveals a concerning trend, with male descendants of non-Western origin being particularly overrepresented in violent crime statistics. In 2023, this specific demographic was convicted of offenses at a rate 2.6 times higher than expected, considering their population size and age composition. While the trend persists into 2024, figures also indicate their involvement in rape convictions is significantly lower compared to gross violence. Out of 528 rape cases last year, 49 involved perpetrators of non-Western immigrant or descendant backgrounds.

This overrepresentation is not a new phenomenon in Danish crime statistics. Previous reports indicate that approximately one-third of individuals convicted of gross violence and rape in 2023 were non-Western immigrants, or their descendants. Lars Højsgaard Andersen, a researcher at the ROCKWOOL Foundation specializing in crime among minority groups, noted the increasing ethnic dimension of crime as a societal challenge.

Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard expressed deep concern over the overrepresentation of both non-Western immigrants and their descendants across virtually all serious crime categories. He emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that individuals whose parents were invited to Denmark are “repaying us by raping and committing gross violence.” Hummelgaard hopes the government’s criminal reform, which includes significantly increased penalties for violent crimes, will help address the issue. He also highlighted the strengthening of preventive efforts with over one billion kroner allocated towards 2030. “First and foremost, the hammer of punishment must fall – and it must fall heavily,” wrote Peter Hummelgaard.