Swedish crime ring sanctioned by US for Iran-backed violence

• The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the Sweden-based Foxtrot Network, led by Rawa Majid, for illicit drug trafficking and violent attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets. Majid allegedly collaborated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
• The Foxtrot Network orchestrated a January 2024 attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, classified as a terrorist act by Swedish authorities.
• The U.S. sanctions seek to freeze assets linked to the network and Majid, prohibiting U.S. citizens and businesses from engaging with the group.

Full Story

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the Foxtrot Network, a Sweden-based transnational criminal organization, for its involvement in illicit drug trafficking and attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets in Europe.

The sanctions also target the network’s leader, Rawa Majid, who allegedly collaborated with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). The Treasury Department states that Iran has increasingly used criminal groups like the Foxtrot Network to conduct covert operations.

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What attack did the Foxtrot Network allegedly carry out?

In January 2024, the Foxtrot Network reportedly orchestrated an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm. Law enforcement agencies indicated that Majid acted under orders from Iranian intelligence.

Swedish authorities classified the attack as a terrorist act after finding a “dangerous object” at the embassy. Previous reports also linked Iranian operatives to Swedish gang members recruited for violent acts against Israeli interests.

Who is Rawa Majid, and what is his role?

Majid, known as the “Kurdish Fox,” is a Swedish-Turkish dual national accused of leading one of Sweden’s most violent criminal organizations. According to reports, Iranian authorities arrested Majid and gave him the option to cooperate with MOIS or face imprisonment.

U.S. officials say Majid chose to work with Iranian intelligence, strengthening ties between the criminal network and Iran.

What other crimes is the Foxtrot Network accused of?

The Foxtrot Network is one of Sweden’s most notorious gangs, known for drug and weapons trafficking, contract killings and violent attacks.

Authorities say the group regularly uses teenagers to carry out attacks and has contributed to Sweden’s rising gang violence. The network also reportedly traffics arms and drugs across multiple European countries.

How do the U.S. sanctions impact the Foxtrot Network?

The sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets linked to the Foxtrot Network and Majid, prohibiting U.S. citizens and businesses from engaging in transactions with the group.

The sanctions are part of the broader U.S. effort to disrupt criminal networks supporting Iran’s destabilizing activities.

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How has Sweden responded to the Foxtrot Network?

Sweden has faced increasing challenges in controlling gang-related violence. In recent years, the country has seen a surge in shootings and bombings.

The Swedish intelligence service Sapo previously warned that Iranian operatives had attempted to recruit Swedish gang members to carry out targeted attacks.