A sophisticated network is reportedly recruiting teenagers across Europe to carry out assassinations, operating under a "violence-as-a-service" model. The Foxtrot Network is believed to be responsible for roughly 35 murders on the continent, utilizing minors for lethal operations.
One case, involving a 16-year-old identified as Natland, highlights the network's methods. Natland, who came from a stable background but struggled with drug use and psychosis, was approached through an online gaming alias, "UnknownHustler." He received an offer for a hit in the United Kingdom, valued at 270,000 Norwegian kroner, approximately $21,000.
This request originated from another teenager known as "Generalen." Generalen, who was also 16 at the time and had been living in a children's home, recruited Natland for the job. Natland was then put in contact with an individual named "Agent 47," who has been linked by Swedish police to Ali Shehad Ahmed, a figure close to Foxtrot's leader, Majid.
Agent 47 facilitated Natland's travel, booking a one-way ticket to Manchester Airport and assisting with obtaining an emergency passport. Using the encrypted messaging app Signal, Agent 47 provided step-by-step guidance during Natland's journey before handing him off to a logistics coordinator identified only by the username "1."
This coordinator provided Natland with maps and video instructions on locating hidden weapons in woodland near Huddersfield, as well as details on accessing a cash stash concealed nearby. Upon arrival at his hotel in Huddersfield, Natland received a final message from Agent 47 stating, "We have much to do tomorrow."
Natland was arrested the following morning before he could be informed of his target. Counterterrorism detectives are reportedly investigating whether the intended victim was a target for a criminal hit or a politically motivated assassination, possibly for Iran. The extent of the network's reach and the nature of its clientele remain under investigation.