Iran-linked European crime organization recruiting teenagers for violent attacks - report

The Foxtrot Network, a European crime organization linked to Iran, has recruited teenagers for murder attempts, including against Israeli targets, according to a BBC report. The network is believed responsible for about 35 murders and several attacks on Israeli targets in Europe since 2022. A Norwegian teenager, Johannes Natland, was convicted in Britain for conspiracy to commit murder after being recruited. The network's leader, Rawa Majid, is based in Tehran. UK and US imposed sanctions on the network in 2025.

The Foxtrot Network, a European crime organization with ties to the Iranian regime, has recruited multiple teenagers to commit murder on its behalf, including against Israeli targets, the BBC reported on Saturday. According to the BBC, the network is thought to be responsible for around 35 murders and several attacks and attempted attacks against Israeli targets in Europe since 2022. The group routinely offers to pay teenagers to commit the crimes, but they are often caught before payment. Swedish investigative journalist Diamant Salihu stated that the organization has a deliberate policy to recruit younger teenagers because they don't think about consequences and are more willing to take risks. Last week, a Norwegian teenager, Johannes Natland, was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in Britain after being recruited by the network. He was arrested in a hotel room in Huddersfield with firearms and ammunition. The network's leader, Rawa Majid, is reportedly based in Tehran, and Salihu told the BBC that the Iranian regime is ordering Majid to attack Iran's enemies. In April 2025, the UK imposed sanctions on the network and Majid, and the US also sanctioned the organization in March 2025. Iran rejected the accusations.