A recent study commissioned by the Swedish government has proposed the criminalization of gang membership and participation in gang activities. This idea has significant support from government parties as well as from the Sweden Democrats, who hold parliamentary backing. The initiative aims to address organized crime more effectively by expanding the legal framework surrounding it.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer emphasized that the proposed law would allow for a wider range of charges to be brought against individuals involved in organized crime. He explained that this could include gang leaders or associates who facilitate criminal activities without being directly linked to specific crimes. The study suggests that if the proposed legislation is enacted, law enforcement could anticipate the imprisonment of approximately 700 individuals annually due to violations of this new law.

Additionally, the study advises adding two new criminal offenses to Sweden's penal code: belonging to a criminal organization and collaborating with such an organization. This legislative change reflects Sweden's growing concern over organized crime and seeks to enhance the tools available to law enforcement to combat gang influence and activities in the country.