Iran is allegedly using criminal gangs in Sweden to target Israeli and Jewish institutions, CNN reported.
According to Sweden’s Security Service (SÄPO), at least four known attacks or attempted attacks were directed at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm in 2023 and 2024. These incidents include shootings and an attempted bombing, with several suspects under the age of 18. Swedish police and prosecutors say these youth are being manipulated by criminal gangs acting on behalf of Iranian intelligence units.
In one case, a 15-year-old boy from the city of Vasteras left his home in the middle of the night in May 2024, believing he had been hired for a minor errand. He was later arrested by Swedish police while in possession of a weapon. A day later, a 14-year-old boy fired a semi-automatic pistol near the Israeli embassy
While the 15-year-old was sentenced to juvenile detention, the 14-year-old was not prosecuted due to his age. According to court documents cited by CNN, both individuals had been in contact with other gang members who arranged transportation and issued instructions. Swedish prosecutors say the suspects appeared unaware of who had ultimately ordered the attacks.
In another instance, a 13-year-old boy was reportedly arrested for firing shots toward the offices of Israeli tech firm Elbit Systems in Sweden.
In January 2025, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson accused Iran of using organised gangs to carry out serious attacks in Sweden.
“Iran is using organized and violent criminal gangs to carry out serious attacks within Swedne,” Kristersson said at a conference in northern Sweden.
“Sweden is not at war. But there is no peace either,” he said.
The Swedish prime minister continued, stating that “true peace requires freedom and the absence of serious conflicts between countries. But we and our neighbors are exposed to hybrid attacks, carried out not with robots and soldiers, but with computers, money, disinformation and the risk of sabotage.”
