Key facts
- Organized crime groups, notably the Foxtrot Network, are recruiting teenagers for murders across Europe.
- These recruits are often instructed through gamified methods on social media.
- The Foxtrot Network, with alleged ties to the Iranian regime, is suspected of around 35 murders since 2022.
- Teenage hitmen are frequently caught before receiving payment, a tactic that benefits the crime groups.
- Europol's Operational Taskforce GRIMM is coordinating efforts across 11 European countries to combat this trend.
Organized crime groups across Europe are increasingly recruiting vulnerable teenagers to carry out murders, a tactic described as 'violence-as-a-service' (VaaS). The Foxtrot Network, a notorious group with alleged links to the Iranian regime, is at the forefront of this trend, reportedly responsible for approximately 35 murders and several attacks since 2022.
These young recruits, often identified and contacted through social media, are given instructions in a manner that mimics computer games. This 'gamified' approach, combined with their vulnerability, makes them susceptible to engaging in violent acts. Europol's Operational Taskforce (OTF) GRIMM, involving 11 European countries, is working to combat this phenomenon.
One prominent case involves 18-year-old Atilla Azimov, who was recruited by Foxtrot and subsequently jailed for life after mistakenly killing a student in Stockholm. Another case is that of Johannes Natland, an 18-year-old Norwegian, who was convicted in the UK for a planned murder in West Yorkshire. Natland was offered approximately £21,000 (270,000 Norwegian kroner) for the hit, with instructions provided via messaging apps and detailed guidance on locating hidden weapons and cash.
The leader of the Foxtrot Network, Rawa Majid, is believed to be based in Tehran and allegedly operates on behalf of the Iranian regime. Investigative journalists suggest the regime orders attacks against its perceived enemies, including dissidents and Israeli targets. This alleged collaboration intensified after Majid fled to Iran. The recruitment strategy appears to deliberately target younger teenagers, as their capture before payment negates the need for the organization to pay out, while also removing potential witnesses.
Despite successes by law enforcement, including the arrest of key figures like Ali Shehad Ahmed, believed to be 'Agent 47', and Mohamed 'Moewgli' Mohdhi, the threat persists. Rival groups have also adopted the VaaS model, indicating the continued danger posed by these networks and their methods of exploiting young individuals for criminal activities.