Alleged Foxtrot Gang Enforcer Ali Namdar Arrested in Morocco as International Net Closes In

An alleged leading member of Sweden’s Foxtrot criminal network has been arrested in Morocco on suspicion of attempted murder and instigating a grenade attack. Ali Namdar, 21, was detained in Tangier at the request of Swedish authorities after being placed on a list of Europe’s most-wanted suspects. Mr Namdar has been linked to Foxtrot and is thought to be one of the network's more violent members, according to SVT, Sweden’s national broadcaster.

He was detained after reportedly being found with false identity documents and is now in custody in the North African country. Mr Namdar, who goes by the alias Joker, is wanted in connection with 18 offences including allegedly instigating an attempt by a 12-year-old girl to detonate two live hand grenades in the Hulta district of Boras in Sweden last year. Swedish police say he is suspected of several violent crimes, including attempted murder, and he is also wanted in Norway on suspicion of carrying out grenade attacks, shootings, and abductions.

"It is a strategically important arrest of an individual who has long had a major influence on violence in Sweden," said Police Superintendent Theodor Smedius. The Swedish Prosecution Authority confirmed that a 21-year-old man is being held in absentia at several Swedish district courts on suspicion of instigating serious violent crime.

National Police Commissioner Petra Lundh thanked Morocco's Director General of Police and Security Services, Abdellatif Hammouchi, and officers for their professional and efficient work. A request for extradition will be sent to Morocco, though Swedish prosecutor Helene Gestrin noted that the processing could take a few months.

The Foxtrot network, alongside its founder Rawa Majid, has faced international sanctions for carrying out attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets on behalf of Iran, utilizing teenagers recruited via social media apps. Foxtrot's violent campaigns have contributed to one of the highest murder rates in Europe for Sweden, while Majid is believed to enjoy protection in Iran. Mr Namdar’s arrest follows the capture of other key fugitives, including Mohamed Mohdhi in Tunisia and Ali Shehab in Iraqi Kurdistan.