Iran-linked European crime organization recruiting teenagers for violent attacks - report
According to the BBC, the Foxtrot Network is thought to be responsible for around 35 murders and several attacks and attempted attacks against Israeli targets in Europe since 2022.
The Foxtrot Network, a European crime syndicate with alleged connections to Iran, is reportedly recruiting younger and younger teenagers to commit violent attacks, particularly against Israeli targets, according to a BBC report. The organization is believed to have been responsible for around 35 murders and several attacks on Israeli interests in Europe since 2022.
The Foxtrot Network routinely offers monetary incentives to teenage recruits to carry out the crimes. However, authorities often apprehend the teenagers shortly after their attempts, preventing the full payment from being made. Swedish journalist Diamant Salihu notes that the group deliberately targets younger recruits as they lack awareness of the consequences of being caught and are more willing to take risks.
In a recent case, a Norwegian teenager named Johannes Natland, 19, was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in Britain after being recruited by the Foxtrot Network. Natland was arrested in March with firearms and ammunition. The group's alleged leader, Rawa Majid, is said to be based in Tehran, Iran, and is reportedly following orders from the Iranian regime to attack Iran's enemies.
Salihu claims that the Iranian regime is paying the Foxtrot Network to execute these attacks against dissidents, journalists, or Israeli targets.
The UK imposed sanctions on the Foxtrot Network and its leader Majid in April 2025, accusing the organization of targeting Jewish and Israeli individuals across Europe on behalf of Iran. The United States also sanctioned the criminal organization earlier that March, alleging its involvement in drug trafficking and attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe, as well as the fugitive leader Rawa Majid.
Iran has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the Iranian government has categorically rejected the accusations linking it to the activities of the Foxtrot Network.
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