Sweden to outsource prisoners to Estonia amid rising inmate crisis

Sweden has announced a groundbreaking agreement to transfer up to 600 convicted criminals to serve their sentences in an Estonian prison, a strategic move aimed at alleviating severe overcrowding in Swedish correctional facilities.

The arrangement, unveiled by the Swedish government, will enable the transfer of male inmates over 18 years old convicted of serious offenses—including murder and sexual crimes—to the prison located in the Estonian city of Tartu, starting July next year. The deal is contingent upon parliamentary approval in both Sweden and Estonia, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer emphasized the scale and urgency of the situation, stating, “The whole prison will be placed at Sweden’s disposal.” He further explained, “Sweden’s prison system … is under tremendous pressures and in that situation needs a plan for expansion to deal with that.”

Under the agreement, Sweden will pay Estonia 8,500 euros (approximately $9,680) per inmate monthly, representing a significant cost saving compared to the average 11,500 euros per month required to house prisoners domestically. This fiscal consideration is crucial as Sweden grapples with a rising prison population fueled by a decade-long surge in gang-related violence, which has prompted stricter laws and sentencing.

According to recent data from the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, in May there were approximately 7,300 inmates held within 5,235 cells, resulting in an occupancy rate of 141 percent. Including standby accommodations, the occupancy rate was reported at 96 percent. Projections suggest that within the next decade, Sweden could see its incarcerated population swell to around 30,000.

This move aligns with a broader European trend of outsourcing incarceration to manage capacity. Belgium and Norway have contracted prison spaces in the Netherlands, while Denmark has established a controversial agreement with Kosovo—a decision that has drawn heavy criticism from Danish human rights advocates.

By Vafa Guliyeva