Sweden's Prison Crisis: Exporting Crimes, Renting Cells in Estonia
Sweden leases 400 prison cells from Estonia
Sweden, once synonymous with a hassle-free society, now grapples with a crime wave. Overrun by gangs, Sweden is contemplating an unprecedented step - leasing prison space in Estonia. The government, grappling with gang problems, plans to house nearly 600 low-level crooks in an Estonian jail.
According to Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, a deal between the EU nations is set to be signed in Stockholm in mid-June. But before the move goes into effect on July 1, 2026, the Swedish parliament must ratify the move with a three-quarters majority.
Sweden reportedly wants to rent Tartu Prison in Estonia, equipped with 400 cells designed to accommodate up to 600 inmates. Henrik Vinge, chairman of the parliamentary justice committee and a member of the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats, suggests that adult men convicted of crimes, such as murder, sexual, or economic offenses, are the primary targets for this arrangement.
Sweden won't send high-risk criminals, including terrorists and organized crime operatives, to Estonia, Vinge clarifies. The goal seems to be keeping hardened gang members in domestic lockups while clearing space for other offenders through the rental of cells abroad.
Sweden has been battling criminal gangs, leading to a shortage of domestic prison facilities. The government will pay €8,500 per month per cell to house prisoners in Estonia, Strömmer reveals.
Sweden's Soaring Prison Population and Overcrowding
Sweden's prisons are operating beyond capacity, with some reporting occupancy rates of 141% for single cells alone[1][3][4]. This overcrowding, coupled with longer prison terms[3], necessitates additional space.
Cost-Saving Measure
Housing prisoners in Estonia is more financially viable, with estimated costs of €8,500 per month per inmate, compared to €11,500 in Sweden[1][2]. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with underutilized prison facilities in Estonia[2][4], makes the arrangement attractive.
Legal Conformance
Both nations share international commitments and have forged cooperation in criminal law. This ensures that legal standards are met[1].
Safety and Security
High-risk and security-threat individuals will remain in domestic prisons[2][4], reinforcing the emphasis on low-risk offenders for this arrangement.
[1] ntv.de[2] as/dpa[3] The Local[4] World News[5] The Guardian
- In light of Sweden's prison crisis and overcrowding, the community policy under consideration involves renting prison space in Estonia, as a cost-saving measure while ensuring legal conformance and safety, focusing primarily on housing low-risk offenders.
- The Swedish parliament, in discussing the policy of sending low-level criminals to Estonia for vocational training, must consider the potential benefits, such as reducing domestic prison overcrowding and cost savings, while addressing concerns related to politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice.
