Justitsminister (Justice Minister) Peter Hummelgaard has launched an initiative aimed at young people in Sweden who are considering becoming involved in criminal activities in Denmark. His primary message is clear: Denmark has much harsher penalties for serious crimes than Sweden.

Through interviews with several Swedish media outlets, Hummelgaard seeks to warn young people about the consequences they may face if they engage in crime in Denmark. “If one comes to Denmark to commit serious violent crimes, the hammer falls hard,” explains the Justice Minister. This message was emphasized in an interview with the Swedish news agency TT, where Hummelgaard also pointed out that Denmark has a high crime clearance rate, and that young individuals do not escape more lightly simply because they are under the age of 18.

This warning comes on the heels of a series of criminal incidents involving Swedish citizens. Several reports have revealed that Swedish criminals have been offered large sums of money to commit serious crimes in Denmark. The Justice Minister expresses clear doubt regarding whether Swedish youth are fully aware of the strict Danish sentencing regulations and hopes that the message will reach a wide audience in Sweden.

Hummelgaard, however, acknowledges that it will not be an easy task. He points out that many young people do not necessarily follow the news, but he believes it is important to start a dialogue on the subject. To reach more people, he is also considering alternative methods such as banner advertisements and promotional videos on social media platforms.

There is also a critique of Swedish legal policies inherent in Hummelgaard’s message. He states that Sweden bears significant responsibility for addressing its own societal issues. Despite Sweden tightening penalties for violent crimes, he notes that substantial leniency is still granted to individuals under 18 years of age.

Hummelgaard stresses that Danish authorities are already taking a hard stance against gang crime, which affects both Denmark and Sweden, but adds that Swedish society should confront the culture that facilitates the recruitment of young people into crime across borders from the outset.