Iran's Embassy in Stockholm Denies Allegations of Recruiting Swedish Gangs to Target Israeli Interests

Iran's Embassy in Stockholm has firmly denied allegations that it has been recruiting Swedish gang members to carry out attacks on Israeli interests in Sweden. The embassy described the accusations as 'false and baseless,' emphasizing that the claims originate from Israel's secret services.

These allegations were made public by Sweden's intelligence agency, Sapo, which accused Iran of using criminal networks in Sweden to target Israeli and Jewish interests. Sapo's counterespionage unit head, Daniel Stenling, stated that Iran employs these networks to act as proxies for its operations.

The accusations are reportedly based on documents from Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad. According to the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, these documents claim that the heads of two Swedish gangs have been recruited by the Iranian regime. The Iranian embassy responded by urging Swedish media not to trust these claims, which they argue are fabricated by the Israeli regime.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The two countries have been engaged in a shadow war involving killings and sabotage attacks for years. This diplomatic spat comes shortly after nighttime gunfire was reported outside Israel's embassy in Stockholm, and three months after police found a live grenade on the embassy's grounds.

Sweden has been struggling with gang violence for years, with criminal gangs often recruiting teenagers in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods to carry out hits. By mid-May, police had recorded 85 shootings this year, including 12 fatal incidents. The Foxtrot and Rumba gangs, led by Rawa Majid and Ismail Abdo respectively, have been involved in deadly feuds and are suspected of being recruited by Iran.

Majid, also known as 'The Kurdish Fox,' is a key player in the escalating gang violence and is believed to be directing operations from Turkey, where he obtained citizenship. Abdo, a former associate of Majid, is also suspected of collaborating with the Iranian regime. Both gang leaders are wanted by Swedish authorities for their involvement in drug trafficking and killings.

Iran's embassy in Stockholm has denied these accusations, stating, 'Paying attention to the source of this information clearly shows that it is false.' The embassy also criticized Swedish media for publishing what it described as 'false and fabricated reports' against Iran.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom has summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to discuss the matter, expressing Sweden's serious concerns over the allegations. Billstrom emphasized that Sweden will not be a platform for state actors to use criminal networks to promote their own interests.

The situation remains tense, with both Sweden and Iran standing firm in their respective positions as the inquiry unfolds. The broader implications of these allegations could further strain diplomatic relations and impact regional security dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Iran's embassy in Stockholm denies recruiting Swedish gang members to attack Israeli interests.
• Sweden's intelligence agency, Sapo, accuses Iran of using criminal networks to target Israeli and Jewish interests.
• Allegations are based on documents from Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, claiming two Swedish gang leaders were recruited by Iran.
• Sweden's Foreign Minister summons Iran's charge d'affaires to discuss the matter, expressing serious concerns.
• Tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, with implications for regional security dynamics.