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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Iran-Linked Foxtrot Network Recruits Teenagers for Violent Attacks in Europe, Report Claims

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A European crime organization linked to Iran, known as the Foxtrot Network, is reportedly recruiting teenagers for violent attacks, including against Israeli targets.
  • The group is believed to be responsible for around 35 murders and several attacks in Europe since 2022, often using teenagers who are later caught.
  • Both the UK and US have imposed sanctions on the Foxtrot Network and its leader, Rawa Majid, who is reportedly based in Tehran and operating under the Iranian regime's direction.

The Foxtrot Network, a European criminal organization with alleged ties to the Iranian regime, is reportedly enlisting teenagers to carry out murders and violent attacks, including targeting Israelis, according to a BBC report.

Since 2022, the Foxtrot Network is suspected of committing approximately 35 murders and executing or attempting several attacks against Israeli targets across Europe. The organization frequently offers payment to teenagers for committing crimes. However, these young recruits are often apprehended by authorities during or immediately after their attempted attacks, meaning the network rarely has to fulfill its payment promises.

deliberate policy to recruit younger and younger teenagers because they don't think about the consequences of getting caught, and they are more willing to take the risks.

— Diamant SalihuExplaining the Foxtrot Network's recruitment strategy involving teenagers.

Swedish investigative journalist Diamant Salihu explained that the Foxtrot Network deliberately recruits increasingly younger teenagers. He noted that these youths are less likely to consider the consequences of getting caught and are more willing to take risks. This strategy was highlighted by the recent conviction of a Norwegian teenager in Britain for conspiracy to commit murder after being recruited by the network.

He had to make a deal to be able to live freely in Iran, under the condition that he and his network work for the regime.

— Diamant SalihuDescribing the reported arrangement between Rawa Majid and the Iranian regime.

Reports suggest the Foxtrot Network's leader, Rawa Majid, operates from Tehran. Salihu told the BBC that the Iranian regime is directing Majid to target its adversaries, including dissidents, journalists, and Israeli interests. Majid reportedly made a deal to live freely in Iran under the condition that he and his network cooperate with the regime.

In response to these activities, the UK imposed sanctions on the Foxtrot Network and Majid in April 2025, citing attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of Iran. The United States followed suit in March, sanctioning the group for its involvement in drug trafficking and attacks against Israelis and Jews in Europe. Iran has officially rejected these allegations, with its embassy in London stating that the Iranian government has no connection to the criminal gang.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects the allegations connecting the Iranian government to the activities of a Swedish-based criminal gang, known as Foxtrot.

— Iranian embassy in LondonResponding to accusations linking the Iranian government to the Foxtrot Network.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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