The U.S. Treasury Department has announced new sanctions against the Foxtrot Network, a notorious transnational criminal organization based primarily in Sweden, and its fugitive leader, Rawa Majid. The gang, known for its involvement in drug trafficking, violence, and attacks on Israeli and Jewish targets, is now being targeted for its cooperation with the Iranian regime.
In January 2024, the Foxtrot Network orchestrated an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, reportedly at the behest of the Iranian government. This brazen act is part of a growing pattern where the Iranian regime has increasingly utilized criminal networks to pursue its foreign policy objectives, maintaining plausible deniability while seeking to further destabilize Europe.
The Foxtrot Network’s Criminal Activities
Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, criticized Iran’s continued use of criminal organizations, emphasizing that Tehran’s strategy is to leverage illicit groups for its geopolitical aims, regardless of the harm caused to innocent communities across Europe.
“Iran’s brazen use of transnational criminal organizations and narcotics traffickers underscores the regime’s attempts to achieve its aims through any means, with no regard for the cost to communities across Europe,” Bessent said in a statement. “Treasury, alongside our U.S. government and international partners, will continue to hold accountable those who seek to further Iran’s thuggish and destabilizing agenda.”
This latest round of sanctions is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and degrade Iran’s operations under National Security Presidential Memorandum-2, aimed at countering the Iranian regime’s criminal activities.
The Foxtrot Network has long been one of Sweden’s most violent and dangerous criminal organizations. It is involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including shootings, contract killings, and drug trafficking. The group has extended its reach across Europe, contributing to rising levels of violence, particularly in Sweden. Additionally, the Foxtrot Network traffics arms and recruits teenagers for its violent operations, such as orchestrating the killing of a rival gang leader’s mother.
Majid, the leader of the gang, is specifically accused of collaborating with Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), which has previously been sanctioned by the U.S. for its involvement in destabilizing activities. His criminal record includes numerous charges related to narcotics and firearms trafficking in Sweden.
Sanctions Implications
The U.S. Treasury’s sanctions, which target both the Foxtrot Network and Majid, have serious implications. All property and interests of the designated persons that are within the U.S. or controlled by U.S. persons will be blocked. U.S. persons and entities are prohibited from engaging in transactions involving these individuals and entities, with penalties for violations. These sanctions are aimed at restricting the resources available to the Foxtrot Network and sending a strong message to those who cooperate with criminal networks on behalf of the Iranian regime.
Furthermore, non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from engaging in activities that would knowingly or unknowingly cause U.S. persons to violate these sanctions.
