Jump directly to the content

IRANIAN terror cells are plotting attacks across Europe ahead of the Paris Olympics, Israel has warned.

Israel's spy agency claimed in a rare statement that Iran is increasing its support of groups including Foxtrot, which has been linked to murders and large-scale drug trafficking.

Rawa Majid, dubbed the Kurdish Fox, leads violent 'Iran-backed' Swedish gang Foxtrot
8
Rawa Majid, dubbed the Kurdish Fox, leads violent 'Iran-backed' Swedish gang FoxtrotCredit: Swedish Police
Officers stand near the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm in January
8
Officers stand near the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm in JanuaryCredit: AP
Iran is said to be increasingly targeting the interests of other states in Sweden
8
Iran is said to be increasingly targeting the interests of other states in SwedenCredit: AP
Police cordon off the Storgatan street close to the Israeli embassy on May 17
8
Police cordon off the Storgatan street close to the Israeli embassy on May 17Credit: AFP

The Mossad agency alleged today that Iran is behind a spate of terror attacks on Israeli embassies seen in Europe since October 7.

It claimed the country is currently funding and directing at least two criminal groups, namely Foxtrot and Rumba - both of which have been "directly responsible for a violent activity and the promotion of terrorism in Sweden and throughout Europe".

Iran backed an airsoft grenade attack launched at Israel's embassy in Belgium last Friday, the Mossad claimed, and another incident in Sweden on May 17, when gunshots were heard near Israel's embassy.

Israel alleged that gang Rumba, headed by Ismail Abdo, was behind the gunshots near Israel's embassy in Sweden.

But it said criminal network Foxtrot executed an attack in January where a "grenade" was found - but did not explode - on the grounds of Israel's embassy, at Tehran's behest.

The weapon was promptly destroyed by Sweden's bomb squad.

Foxtrot, led by Rawa Majid, also known as the Kurdish Fox, is the largest criminal organisation in Sweden, but operates across Europe.

It is known for allegedly carrying out murders and large-scale drug trafficking, and has been linked to shootings and bombings.

Sweden last year became a bloodbath plagued by executions, bomb attacks, and child soldiers, fuelled by leaders such as the Kurdish Fox.

The Foxtrot druglord was recruited by Iranian agents after he fled to Iran from Turkey in September, supposedly on the run from Iraqi security forces and international law enforcement.

Israel warns its citizens not to go to Eurovision in Sweden amid fears 'terrorist factions will execute attacks' - heads to follow

He was arrested by Iran and recruited to plan attacks in Europe against Jewish and Israeli targets, said the Mossad.

Israel alleged he has now been working with Iran for months.

Sweden’s Säpo security service claimed on Thursday that Iran had for several years been carrying out attacks inside the country.

A statement released by Säpo read: "Iran has previously used violence in other countries in Europe with the aim of silencing critical voices and perceived threats to its own regime.

"To carry out these security-threatening activities, the Iranian regime has on occasion made use of criminal networks.

"The security police can confirm that this also happens in Sweden.

"In Sweden, the Security Police has in recent years dealt with several concrete cases where assassination plans linked to Iranian security services were averted, where, among other things, criminal networks were used as proxies."

Read More on The US Sun

Daniel Stenling, the head of Säpo counterintelligence, said there was a significant risk Iran will strike again in Sweden.

The Mossad began investigating the alleged links between Iran and terror attacks, alongside European intelligence agencies, after the grenade was found in Israel's embassy in Stockholm.

Sweden’s descent into gang violence

By Jessica Baker

SWEDEN'S reputation as a safe nation was last year shattered as gangland shootings and bombings plagued its cities.

Executions and bomb attacks were rampant as child soldiers roamed the streets and innocent bystanders, including a 12-year-old girl, were gunned down by gangs.

The nation has long grappled with gang violence, but last year's surge in crime - fuelled by people like the Kurdish Fox - was exceptional.

In August, a 14-year-old boy was tragically found dead in a forest, while shootings and bombings targeted houses and apartments.

Detectives said they suspected some of the violence was organised by international criminal leaders based in countries such as Turkey and Serbia.

More than 50 people were killed in shootings in 2023 and there were more than 140 explosions.

The previous year saw more than 60 deaths as the result of gun violence - the highest number on record.

Iran is reportedly ramping up support of terror in Europe ahead of the Paris Olympics
8
Iran is reportedly ramping up support of terror in Europe ahead of the Paris OlympicsCredit: AFP
Ismail Abdo heads gang Rumba, which Israel says was behind the gunshots near Israel's embassy in Sweden
8
Ismail Abdo heads gang Rumba, which Israel says was behind the gunshots near Israel's embassy in SwedenCredit: SUPPLIED
Sweden was last year taken over by violent gangs as cops tried to control the chaos
8
Sweden was last year taken over by violent gangs as cops tried to control the chaos
Cops investigate after a powerful explosion in central Stockholm on January 17 last year
8
Cops investigate after a powerful explosion in central Stockholm on January 17 last yearCredit: PA
Topics