Teenagers Hired as Hitmen for European Assassinations
The Foxtrot Network, an organised crime group linked to the Iranian regime, has been recruiting teenagers to carry out assassinations across Europe since 2022. At least 35 murders and several attacks have been attributed to the group, which often targets Israeli interests. Swedish police have cracked down on the network, jailing several members, including 18-year-old Atilla Azimov, who mistakenly killed a student in 2023.
Key points
- The Foxtrot Network, an organised crime group linked to the Iranian regime, has been recruiting teenagers to carry out assassinations across Europe since 2022.
- At least 35 murders and several attacks have been attributed to the group, which often targets Israeli interests.
- Swedish police have cracked down on the network, jailing several members, including 18-year-old Atilla Azimov, who mistakenly killed a student in 2023.
- The group's tactics have been described as 'violence-as-a-service' (VaaS), where they offer hitmen services for cash.
- Teenagers are often recruited for these attacks, but the group rarely has to pay out as they are frequently caught by law enforcement.
The Foxtrot Network, an organised crime group linked to the Iranian regime, has been making headlines for its brazen tactics. Since 2022, the group has been responsible for at least 35 murders and several attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. The group's modus operandi is to recruit teenagers to carry out these attacks, often for cash.
Swedish police have been actively cracking down on the network, jailing several members, including 18-year-old Atilla Azimov, who mistakenly killed a student in 2023. The group's tactics have been described as 'violence-as-a-service' (VaaS), where they offer hitmen services for cash.
The use of teenagers in these attacks raises concerns about the group's ability to exploit vulnerable individuals. The fact that they rarely have to pay out, as they are frequently caught by law enforcement, suggests a level of recklessness that is alarming.
As the world grapples with the rise of organised crime groups, the Foxtrot Network's activities serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these groups. Law enforcement agencies must continue to work together to disrupt and dismantle these networks, and protect innocent lives from their violence.
Sources
The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.