Foxtrot Leader Rawa Majid: Status and Allegations of Iranian Ties
Rumors surrounding the fate of Rawa Majid, the leader of the Swedish criminal network Foxtrot, have resurfaced, with reports of an alleged Israeli attack in Iran. Although these claims remain unconfirmed, they highlight Majid’s precarious situation and his suspected connections to Iranian authorities. This article examines the latest developments, Majid’s history, and the concerns surrounding his potential cooperation with Iran.
Recent Rumors and Conflicting Reports
In recent days, reports have circulated claiming Rawa Majid was injured or killed in an Israeli attack in Kermanshah, Iran. Images purportedly showing Majid with facial injuries have appeared online, fueling speculation. Still, a close family member has refuted these claims, stating in an audio message that Majid is “alive, and well.” The family member declined to provide further details on how they know this information.
Swedish police are aware of the rumors but have no confirmation of Majid’s status. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated they have no knowledge of the situation.
Rawa Majid’s Flight to Iran and Previous Arrest
Rawa Majid, also known as “The Kurdish Fox,” has been wanted by Swedish authorities for several years. He initially resided in Turkey and the Kurdish region of Iraq before fleeing to Iran in the autumn of 2023. This move coincided with a surge in gang violence in Sweden, including the shooting death of Ismail “Jordgubben” Abdo’s mother in Uppsala.
Prior to his arrival in Iran, Majid was reportedly arrested by Iranian authorities, but allegedly paid $60,000 for his release – a claim that remains unconfirmed. As of January 2024, Swedish national police chief Petra Lundh stated they had no information beyond Majid being in Iran. Rawa Majid was born on July 12, 1986.
Allegations of Cooperation with Iran
There has been growing speculation regarding Majid’s potential cooperation with Iranian authorities. Journalist Diamant Salihu suggested Majid sought protection from Iran, establishing a haven within the country. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned the Foxtrot Network and Majid on March 12, 2025, citing the network’s attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe, including an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, allegedly orchestrated on behalf of the Iranian government.
Criminologist Ardavan Khoshnood notes that Israel may be attempting to eliminate Majid, particularly given his designation on the U.S. Terror list. However, he also cautions that the rumors could be disinformation originating from Iran, the Foxtrot network, or Majid himself, intended to mislead authorities.
Iran’s Potential Exploitation of the Foxtrot Network
Khoshnood suggests Iran might leverage Majid and the Foxtrot network to carry out criminal activities in Sweden and elsewhere, creating a smokescreen to deflect blame and mislead investigations. This strategy would allow Iran to deny involvement while potentially furthering its agenda. The U.S. Department of State also sanctioned the Foxtrot Network, highlighting Iran’s use of criminal organizations as proxies.
Foxtrot Network and Transnational Crime
The Foxtrot Network is a transnational criminal organization (TCO) primarily based in Sweden, involved in illicit drug trafficking and violence. The network has been linked to numerous shootings and bombings, often involving underage individuals. Reports indicate Majid received funds from Iran’s embassy in Denmark to coordinate attacks against Israeli targets.
The situation surrounding Rawa Majid remains fluid and uncertain. While rumors of his death or injury persist, they lack definitive confirmation. His potential ties to Iran raise serious concerns about the exploitation of criminal networks for geopolitical purposes.