STOCKHOLM — A Swedish investigation has uncovered a disturbing alliance between Iran and European criminal networks to orchestrate kidnappings, assassinations, and embassy attacks against Israelis and Jewish communities across Europe.
Intelligence and media reports reveal that Iran offered sanctuary, financial backing, and safe passage to Rawa Majid, head of Sweden’s notorious Foxtrot gang. In return, Iran directed Majid’s network to target Israeli diplomatic missions, defense facilities, and individuals.
The campaign reportedly began in early 2024. In January, gang-linked operatives placed a grenade outside Israel’s embassy in Stockholm as a “demonstration of intent.” They then escalated to firearm attacks and the planting of explosive devices in Brussels and Gothenburg.
Swedish security officials say Iran provided a detailed “target catalogue” that included embassy locations, Israeli defense firms, and Jewish community sites in Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and beyond.
Supporting reporting from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies notes that criminal gangs were used to conduct surveillance and armed attacks on Jewish communities across Europe.
The U.S. and U.K. governments have responded by imposing sanctions this year on Majid and other gang figures tied to the Iranian-linked plots.
An international terrorism expert told Reuters that Europe’s criminal underworld has been increasingly exploited by Tehran to achieve deniability in its external operations.
Recent violent incidents at Israeli embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, grenade blasts, and gunfire are now being seen as part of this coordinated operation.
Security officials warn that the ongoing threat to Israelis and Jewish communities in Europe remains high, as the hybrid model, using criminals as proxies, continues to grow.
This article is based on verified information from Swedish security services, Reuters, Israel Hayom, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and other credible outlets.