The Israeli embassy in Stockholm. Sweden says it has noticed that Iran is increasingly beginning to attack the interests of other states within Swedish territory. AP
The Israeli embassy in Stockholm. Sweden says it has noticed that Iran is increasingly beginning to attack the interests of other states within Swedish territory. AP
The Israeli embassy in Stockholm. Sweden says it has noticed that Iran is increasingly beginning to attack the interests of other states within Swedish territory. AP
The Israeli embassy in Stockholm. Sweden says it has noticed that Iran is increasingly beginning to attack the interests of other states within Swedish territory. AP

Sweden says Iran using local gangs to target Israel and other states


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

The Iranian government is using criminal networks within Sweden to carry out violent acts against other states, groups and individuals, the Swedish intelligence service Sapo has said.

Intelligence officials said Iran had recently attacked the interests of other states in Sweden – specifically Israel – and also sought to act against Iranian dissident groups and individuals from the Iranian diaspora.

“The security service can now confirm that criminal networks in Sweden are proxies that Iran uses,” said Daniel Stenling, head of counter-intelligence at Sapo.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said his ministry had summoned Iran's charge d'affaires for talks on Friday “to express how seriously we view this information”.

“Sweden will not be a platform where state actors use criminal networks to promote their own interests,” he said.

The announcement came two weeks after night-time gunfire was reported outside Israel's embassy in Stockholm, and four months after police found a live grenade in the grounds of the Israeli compound.

Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond.

“The Iranian regime is using criminal networks in Sweden to carry out acts of violence against other states, groups or people in Sweden that it considers a threat,” said Sapo.

It cited in particular “Israeli and Jewish interests, targets and operations in Sweden”.

Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter on Thursday cited documents from Israel's intelligence agency Mossad as saying that the head of the Swedish gang Foxtrot, Rawa Majid, and his arch-rival Ismail Abdo, head of the Rumba gang, had both been recruited by the Iranian regime.

Gang leaders Rawa Majid, left, and Ismail Abdo. Photo: Swedish Police
Gang leaders Rawa Majid, left, and Ismail Abdo. Photo: Swedish Police

DN said the Mossad documents showed that Majid – a Swedish-Turkish dual citizen nicknamed the “Kurdish Fox” – was recently arrested in Iran and ordered to co-operate with the Iranian regime or go to jail.

Swedish media meanwhile reported this week that Abdo, who also holds Turkish citizenship, was recently arrested in Turkey and was released shortly afterwards on bail, despite an international arrest warrant.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at the time that Abdo's release was “frustrating”.

Asked whether the Swedish intelligence agency's information about Iran came solely from Mossad, Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer said: “I feel very confident about the information our authorities have.”

Mahsa Amini protests in Iran and around the world – in pictures

  • Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
    Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
  • Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
    Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
  • A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
    A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
  • Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
    Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
  • People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
    People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
  • A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
    A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
  • A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
    A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
  • A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
    A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
  • People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
    People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
  • A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
    A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
  • A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
    A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
  • Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
    Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
  • People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
    People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
  • A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
    A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
  • People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
    People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
  • Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
    Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
  • Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
    Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
  • A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
    A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
  • Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
    Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
  • People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
    People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
  • A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
    A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
  • Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
    Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
  • Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
    Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
  • A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
    A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
  • A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
    A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
  • Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
    Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
  • A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
    A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
  • A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
    A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
  • Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
    Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
  • Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
    Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
  • People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
    People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
  • A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
    A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
  • Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
    Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
  • Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
    Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
  • Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
    Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
  • A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
    A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
  • Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
    Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
  • People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
    People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
  • An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
    An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
  • In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
    In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
  • A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
    A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
  • A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
    A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
  • A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
    A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
  • A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
    A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
  • Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
    Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
  • Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
    Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
  • People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
    People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
  • Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
    Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
  • Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
    Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
  • A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
    A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
  • Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
    Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
  • Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
    Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
  • Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
    Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
  • A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
    A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
  • Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
    Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
  • Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
    Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
  • An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
    An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
  • Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
    Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
  • Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
    Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
  • Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
    Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
  • German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
    German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
  • A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
    A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
  • A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
    A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
  • Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
    Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
  • People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
    People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
  • Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
    Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
  • Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
    Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
  • An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
    An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
  • A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
    A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
  • Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA
    Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA

“Iran has previously used violence in other countries in Europe in a bid to silence critical voices and perceived threats against its regime,” said Sapo.

“Our assessment is that this is a regional conflict that has spread globally and now also includes Sweden as an arena for this conflict,” Mr Stenling said.

“Very young individuals, even children, can be used to carry out Iranian activities that threaten security in Sweden.”

Sapo said it was collaborating with the police, military and international allies “to meet the threat from Iran”.

The Scandinavian country has struggled to contain surging gang violence in recent years, with shootings and bombings now weekly occurrences.

The gang violence was originally linked to control over the drugs market, but was “changing shape very quickly”, the deputy head of the Swedish Police National Operations Division, Hampus Nygards, said.

The networks have increasingly recruited ever-younger youths and children eager to gain status and earn quick money, well aware they cannot be jailed if under the age of 15.

Swedish police increased security around Israeli and Jewish interests following the suspected shooting near Israel's embassy in Stockholm and the discovery of the grenade outside the same embassy in January.

Sapo declined to comment on specific attacks but according to a statement obtained by Reuters from an Israeli official, the January incident was carried out by a criminal gang on behalf of Iran.

Relations between Sweden and Iran have deteriorated since a Swedish court in July 2022 handed down a life sentence against a 63-year-old Iranian former prison official, Hamid Noury, for crimes committed during a 1988 purge of dissidents.

As Noury's trial got under way, Iran arrested Swedish EU diplomat Johan Floderus in April 2022, accusing him of spying for Israel, an offence that carries a potential death penalty.

Governments and human rights groups have accused Tehran of engaging in “hostage diplomacy”.

No date has been set for the verdict in Floderus's case.

The security service said the terrorism threat level assessment remained at four on a scale of five. It was raised to four in 2023, after Quran burnings by people in Sweden outraged Muslims in a number of countries and triggered threats.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Our House, Louise Candlish,
Simon & Schuster

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:

Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')

Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate

Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL

Al Nasr 2

(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)

Shabab Al Ahli 1

(Jaber 13)

School counsellors on mental well-being

Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.

Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.

Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.

“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.

“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.

“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”

Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.

The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.

At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.

“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.

“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.

"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”

Results

5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)

6.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m, Winner: Mayehaab, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Monoski, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Eastern World, Royston Ffrench, Charlie Appleby

7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Madkal, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

8.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Taneen, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi

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How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Updated: May 31, 2024, 1:22 PM