A number of Danish politicians have voiced strong criticism against Sweden in light of the recent gang conflict in Copenhagen, where several Swedish citizens have been arrested. Swedish Police Chief Håkan Wall, however, has dismissed the notion that Sweden can be held responsible for all crime in Denmark.

The criticism follows the arrest of several “mercenaries” from Sweden in connection with serious crimes committed on Danish soil. Recently, a 25-year-old Swedish man was caught with two hand grenades in Tingbjerg, which has intensified the debate regarding Sweden’s role in the escalating violence.

Wall acknowledges that the high level of violent crime associated with Swedish gangs is exploited by criminals in neighboring countries, yet he rejects the Danish perspective that Sweden should be held accountable for criminal activities in both Denmark and Norway.

This dismissal does not shift the stance of Denmark’s Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard (Social Democrats) and the spokesperson for justice from the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti), Peter Kofod. Hummelgaard emphasizes that Sweden bears a significant responsibility for addressing the problematic issues within its own society. Kofod shares this viewpoint, calling for increased border control with Sweden and labeling the neighboring country as a “terribly bad neighbor.”

Kofod expresses frustration that Sweden, which he describes as a humanitarian superpower, is exporting crime to its neighboring countries. He believes this situation is embarrassing for the Swedish government and points out that it will become increasingly difficult to move freely between Denmark and Sweden due to necessary security measures in the future.

He adds that the choice of politicians by the Swedish electorate also plays a role in this situation, noting that the population bears some responsibility for the problems arising from their voting decisions.