How "Agent 47" Turned European Teenagers Into Real-Life Assassins
Europol reports that European criminal gangs are increasingly recruiting teenagers via social media to commit contract killings. These young recruits are often lured by promises of large cash payments, though many are arrested before receiving funds.
Why it matters
This trend reveals a dangerous evolution in organized crime, where digital platforms are used to exploit minors for violent criminal activities.
Crime gangs in Europe are recruiting teenagers through social media to carry out murders for money, according to Europol. Police say these gangs target young people, promise them huge amounts of cash, and use them as hired killers.One of the main gangs behind this is Sweden's Foxtrot Network. Police believe the gang has been behind around 35 murders since 2022, according to the BBC. The gang is also accused of carrying out attacks on Israeli targets in Europe and of having alleged links to the Iranian regime.Teenagers are reportedly offered large sums of money to carry out killings. However, many are arrested before they receive any payment.One such case involved 18-year-old Atilla Azimov, who shot dead a 20-year-old student in Stockholm in February last year after mistaking him for his intended target. Azimov was later sentenced to life in prison.Police say Azimov had accepted the job for money.
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