Crimes Against the Security of Sweden

Sweden faces a series of challenges concerning its national security. These challenges range from espionage activities conducted by foreign powers such as Russia, China, and Iran, to domestic violent extremism associated with both right-wing and left-wing extremist groups, as well as Islamist movements. These threats can have significant repercussions for the country, not only in the form of direct attacks but also through economic losses and damaged relationships with other nations.

However, another growing concern is the dramatic increase in violent crimes, particularly shootings, which have become increasingly linked to criminal gangs. What is particularly concerning is the possibility that foreign powers may attempt to collaborate with these gangs to carry out attacks within Sweden's borders, with the gangs acting as tools or intermediaries. This fear is exacerbated by events in other countries. For instance, in the Netherlands, domestic criminal gangs have collaborated with foreign governments to carry out murders.

Despite the clear presence of these security threats and awareness of them among Swedish authorities, there is a noticeable lack of research on who is actually behind crimes against Sweden's security and acts of terrorism. This research gap becomes even more concerning in light of the changing security conditions in Europe, especially considering events such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In conclusion, it is of utmost importance that Sweden takes these threats very seriously. Not only should the country proactively take measures to counteract them, but it should also invest in research and analysis to better understand and manage them. The future, security, and well-being of the nation depend on this balance.

The project focuses on individuals convicted of crimes against Sweden's security. The aim is to map and analyze this type of criminality in Sweden, starting from the fall of the Soviet Union up to the end of 2024. The goal is to describe individual characteristics and crime characteristics on a micro-level. This would generate a general picture and overview of the individuals involved in these crimes. Furthermore, we intend to examine the crimes themselves, with a focus on modus operandi and motives, to shed light on how the perpetrators operate and what drives them. Finally, we also aim to study the evidence accepted by the courts and the resulting penalties. The results of the project will not only contribute to preventive efforts concerning crimes against Sweden's security but can also be used as a tool in ongoing investigations and to develop legislation.

Sweden faces various security challenges, like spying by countries like Russia, Iran and China, domestic extremism, and rising violent crimes, especially shootings linked to criminal gangs. There's also concern that foreign powers might team up with these gangs to harm Sweden.

Despite knowing about these threats, there is not enough research on who is behind these security breaches and terrorism. This research gap is worrisome, given Europe's changing security situation, like Russia's war against Ukraine.

In summary, Sweden needs to take these threats seriously, not only by taking action but also by investing in research. The country's future and security depend on it.

The project aims to study individuals convicted of security-related crimes in Sweden from the fall of the Soviet Union to 2024. We want to understand who these individuals are, how they commit crimes, what motivates them, and what evidence is used in court. This research can help prevent future security breaches and improve law enforcement.

What is this project and why do we want you to participate?
Crimes committed with the intent of harming Sweden’s security can result in the loss of both material assets and human lives. This type of crime is also highly dangerous to society and can, in the long run, threaten the entire nation. Combating such crimes is therefore of great importance. This includes crimes against Sweden’s security as outlined in Chapter 19 of the Swedish Penal Code, as well as acts of terrorism.

The purpose of this research project is to analyze and map crimes against Sweden’s security, specifically those committed from the fall of the Soviet Union up to the end of 2024. The goal is to gain a detailed understanding of the characteristics of individuals and the nature of the crimes committed by those convicted of such offenses. Through this work, the project seeks to improve knowledge about individuals who commit these types of crimes, related security threats, and to contribute to the development of effective preventive strategies as well as legal and law enforcement processes.

The principal investigator for the project is Lund University. The term "principal investigator" refers to the organization responsible for the project. The research has been approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority, with the review case number 2023-07299-01.

How will the project be carried out?
The project aims to conduct a thorough analysis of crimes threatening Sweden’s security, focusing on individuals convicted of such crimes from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 2024. The methodology includes several steps. First, data and statistics on relevant crimes will be collected from the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå), the Swedish Police Authority, the Swedish Security Service (Säpo), the Swedish Prosecution Authority, the Swedish National Courts Administration, and Statistics Sweden (SCB).

After creating a list of cases where verdicts have been issued for these crimes, the project will contact district courts across the country to access legal documents such as verdicts, decisions, and preliminary investigation reports. If necessary, city archives and other government archives will also be consulted. All cases will then be cross-checked with higher courts, such as the Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court, to detect any amendments or additions to the verdicts. A detailed review and analysis of all verdicts and documents will then be carried out and recorded in data matrices to compile the results.

Possible consequences and risks of participating in the project
Results will be presented in grouped formats. However, some individuals who have received significant media attention will be mentioned by name and linked to selected characteristics and data that we have gathered to provide illustrative examples.

What happens to your information?
The project will collect and register information about you. By reviewing court documents, we will collect information about you and the crimes you committed. Please note, however, that all collected data is public—we will neither apply for access to nor review any confidential or classified information. All data will be stored on secure, password-protected servers. The purpose of collecting this data is to better understand individuals who have committed crimes against Sweden’s security. None of the collected data will be transferred to third countries or international organizations.

All data will be processed in such a way that unauthorized individuals cannot access it.

Lund University is responsible for your personal data. According to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to access the data about you that is handled in the project free of charge, and to request correction of any inaccuracies if needed. You may also request that data about you be deleted or that the processing of your data be restricted. However, the right to erasure and restriction does not apply when the data is necessary for the ongoing research.

If you wish to access your data, contact:
Ardavan M. Khoshnood
Phone: 040–331854
Lund University, CRC, CRC 91–12, Box 50332, 202 13 Malmö
Data Protection Officer: 046–222 0000, Lund University, Box 117, 221 00 Lund

If you are dissatisfied with how your personal data is handled, you have the right to file a complaint with the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY), which is the supervisory authority.

How will you receive information about the project results?
The study’s results will be published in scientific journals and shared with the public through mainstream media. You are also welcome to contact the project leader for further information (see below).

Participation is voluntary
If you do not want us to collect information about you, it is very important that you immediately contact the person responsible for the project (see below).

Project leader
Associate Professor Ardavan M. Khoshnood
Email: [email protected]
Lund University, CRC, CRC 91–12, Box 50332, 202 13 Malmö