UK sanctions Iran-backed 'criminal network' and its leader

Britain on Monday accused Iran of helping criminal gangs to stage attacks in Europe as it sanctioned the Swedish-based Foxtrot criminal network and its leader Rawa Majid.

The sanctions were ordered over the network's role in attacks across Europe, the Foreign Office said, and would include travel bans and asset freezes.

"Today, the UK has announced sanctions against the notorious criminal Foxtrot Network and its leadership," said Foreign Secretary David Lammy, accusing Tehran of using "criminal gangs across the world to threaten people".

He said they had been involved in "violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime".

The sanctions are part of Britain's "ongoing response to Iranian hostilities in Europe," he added.

Last month Britain said all people working in the country for Iran, its intelligence services or the Revolutionary Guard would have to register on a new list or face jail.

Iran became the first country to be placed on a stricter Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which aims to boost the UK's national security against covert foreign influences.

The measures which will come into effect later this year will see failing to register become a criminal offence carrying a potential maximum sentence of five years in jail.

Since 2022, the UK government says authorities have responded to more than 20 Iran-backed plots, presenting potentially lethal threats to British citizens and residents.