European Crime Gangs Enlist Teens via Social Media for Murder Contracts...Spread of 'Violence as a Service'

Reports that 'violence as a service,' which mobilizes teenagers for contract killings via social media, is spreading across Europe, the BBC reported on the 2nd. The main driver of this crime is the Swedish 'Foxtrot Network,' which is suspected of being involved in approximately 35 murders since 2022, as well as explosives and grenade attacks on Israeli-related facilities in Europe.

Foxtrot primarily lures teenagers with money for murder, but it is known that they rarely pay the actual reward, as teenagers are often caught at the scene. A UK court revealed last month that Norwegian teenager Johannes Nattrland was found guilty of conspiracy to murder after entering the UK to attempt a contract killing, having seen an online message promising '40 million won for a murder.' Investigators analyzed that the organization employs a method of 'gamifying' murder by sending teenagers maps and videos like computer games to find the locations of firearms and cash hidden in the forest.

Europol has formed a special investigation team involving 11 European countries and has arrested over 280 people, including close associates of the organization's leader, in the past 15 months, but there are concerns that the threat is continuing as rival organizations are also adopting the same tactics.