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The Shadowy Gang Recruiting Teen Killers Across Europe

A shadowy gang, Foxtrot Network, is recruiting teenage killers across Europe. The gang uses social media to recruit vulnerable young people and pays them to carry out attacks, often for the Iranian regime.

By Daniel Sandford·Aug 1·bbc.co.uk·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

A teenager wearing a black balaclava and hoodie holding up a handgun, with his gloved hand on the trigger
A teenager wearing a black balaclava and hoodie holding up a handgun, with his gloved hand on the triggerImage: bbc.co.uk

Foxtrot Network, a notorious crime group, is using teenagers to carry out attacks in Europe. The gang recruits on social media and pays them to commit violence, often for the Iranian regime. The leader of the gang, Rawa Majid, has fled to Iran and is working for the regime.

Why it matters

The Foxtrot Network's use of teenage killers raises concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young people and the spread of violence across Europe.

Imagine a group of teenagers being paid to carry out attacks in Europe. They're recruited on social media and given instructions like a video game. This is the VaaS phenomenon, where vulnerable young people are exploited for violence. It's a serious concern for Europe and the world.

Analysis

The Foxtrot Network's Rise to Notoriety

The Foxtrot Network, a shadowy crime group, has been responsible for about 35 murders and several attacks on Israeli targets in Europe since 2022. The gang recruits teenagers to carry out the attacks for cash, but they often get caught. The leader of the Foxtrot Network, Rawa Majid, has fled Sweden and is now based in Tehran, Iran.

The Iranian Regime's Involvement

Diamant Salihu, an investigative journalist, has been researching Foxtrot and its Iranian links for three years. He believes that the regime is ordering the leader of the Foxtrot Network to instigate attacks against the Iranian regime's enemies. The links to the Iranian regime started after October 2023 when Majid fled to Tehran, Salihu said.

The VaaS Phenomenon

The Foxtrot Network is part of the VaaS (Violence-as-a-Service) phenomenon, where teenagers are recruited on social media to carry out attacks for cash. The teenagers are given their instructions in a 'gamified' way, imitating how computer games work. Andy Kraag, the head of Europol's European Serious and Organised Crime Centre, calls it the 'calculated outsourcing of murder' to vulnerable young people.

The Consequences

The use of teenage killers by the Foxtrot Network raises concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable young people and the spread of violence across Europe. The gang's activities have been sanctioned by the UK government, and the leader of the gang has fled to Iran. The Iranian regime's involvement in the Foxtrot Network's activities is also a concern, as it could lead to further violence and instability in the region.

Key points

  • The Foxtrot Network is a shadowy crime group responsible for about 35 murders and several attacks on Israeli targets in Europe since 2022.
  • The gang recruits teenagers on social media and pays them to carry out attacks, often for the Iranian regime.
  • The leader of the Foxtrot Network, Rawa Majid, has fled Sweden and is now based in Tehran, Iran.
  • The Iranian regime is believed to be ordering the leader of the Foxtrot Network to instigate attacks against the regime's enemies.
  • The VaaS phenomenon is a serious concern for Europe and the world, as it involves the exploitation of vulnerable young people for violence.
The Upside

If the Foxtrot Network is dismantled and its leader, Rawa Majid, is brought to justice, it could lead to a decrease in violence across Europe. Additionally, if the Iranian regime is held accountable for its involvement in the Foxtrot Network's activities, it could lead to a reduction in the spread of violence and instability in the region.

The Downside

If the Foxtrot Network continues to operate and recruit teenage killers, it could lead to further violence and instability in Europe. Additionally, if the Iranian regime is not held accountable for its involvement in the Foxtrot Network's activities, it could lead to a continuation of the VaaS phenomenon and the exploitation of vulnerable young people.

Originally reported at

bbc.co.uk

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsviolence-as-a-servicefoxtrot-networkiranian-regimeeuropeterrorismcrime

Author

Daniel Sandford

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 1, 2026

Source

bbc.co.uk

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Topics

violence-as-a-servicefoxtrot-networkiranian-regimeeuropeterrorismcrime

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