Europol said a suspected operator of the Foxtrot criminal network has been arrested in Iraq following an international investigation into organised crime and targeted violence. The suspect, a 21-year-old Swedish national, was detained as part of a coordinated effort involving Swedish and Iraqi authorities, with Europol supporting the operation.
Europol said the individual is suspected of playing a key role in directing activity linked to the Foxtrot network, which authorities describe as a transnational organised crime group. The suspect had been listed on the European Union Most Wanted list, according to law enforcement statements referenced in the report.
The investigation is being conducted as part of a coordinated law enforcement effort known as Operational Task Force GRIMM. Europol said the taskforce focuses on organised crime groups that commission or coordinate violent acts, including networks that recruit individuals to carry out attacks on behalf of criminal clients.
Authorities have described the Foxtrot network as operating a model sometimes referred to as violence as a service. Under this approach, criminal organisers are accused of arranging assaults and other violent crimes through intermediaries, including the recruitment of young people. Europol stated that online platforms and messaging tools have been utilized in these cases to facilitate communication and coordinate activities across borders.
The arrest in Iraq follows earlier enforcement actions against suspected members and associates of the network. Europol said the investigation remains active and is aimed at identifying additional individuals involved in organising or facilitating violent offences.
The suspect is expected to face judicial proceedings in Sweden. Europol said further steps will depend on legal processes, including cooperation between national authorities on extradition and prosecution.