Norwegian Teen Faces Serious Charges in Transnational Criminal Case
In March 2025, a 16-year-old from Norway was arrested and subsequently charged with plotting murder in both Norway and England. As the investigation progressed, the scope of the charges expanded to include accusations of murder, attempted murder, and attempted arson in Sweden. By December of that year, additional charges had been filed.
The latest charge sheet alleges the teen’s complicity in two murders in Sweden, as well as attempted murder in both Sweden and England, alongside plans to commit murder and set fires in Sweden. State attorney Geir Evanger addressed the media, stating, “He has proven to be an effective recruiter for the Foxtrot network, despite not being a direct member.”
The Charges Explained
The 16-year-old faces a litany of serious accusations, including:
- Complicity in two murders in Sweden—one in Lund on January 28 and another in Alby in February last year.
- Involvement in an attempted murder in Gävle, Sweden, in February 2025.
- Connections to the attempted murder of an unnamed individual in England.
- Planning to commit murder and arson linked to the Foxtrot network.
- Multiple attempts to set fire to a residence in Norrköping, Sweden.
- Exploitation of minors.
- Various incidents of violence and threats against public officials.
- Involvement in criminal activities that aim to cause significant damage in Norway.
The Foxtrot network, purportedly led by the notorious Rawa Majid—better known as “The Kurdish Fox”—has been implicated in a series of high-profile murders amid Sweden’s escalating gang violence.
Considerations for Sentencing
Prosecutors have indicated that they may seek a custodial sentence for the young accused, citing a “very high” likelihood of reoffending. “In light of the seriousness of these allegations, we may request a sentence of up to 15 years—this being the maximum penalty for someone under 18,” Evanger elaborated.
He added, “Unfortunately, the nature of these offenses necessitates serious consideration of public safety, even though he is a very young individual.”
Defense’s Perspective
The teen’s attorney, Jørund Lægland, acknowledged that the charges are weighty, but refrained from discussing his client’s criminal responsibility at this stage. “He is tied to nearly all the indictments,” Lægland remarked, “so it’s essential to consider how this fits into the legal framework we’re operating within.”
In addition to the Norwegian charges, nine others have been implicated in related cases across Norway and England.
Allegations of Murder
The murders in question—those occurring in Lund and Alby—are reported to have been executed through shooting. Evanger noted the boy’s primary role has been to identify individuals willing to carry out these violent crimes.
While the teenager has expressed a belief that he held a significant role within the criminal network, his defense maintains that he did not directly recruit individuals for murder. “He has not been a recruiter, nor a henchman,” Lægland insisted. “He is merely connected to a network of individuals who have already expressed a willingness to engage in criminal activity.”
Regarding the charges, Lægland mentioned, “I believe he recognizes that his past choices have led him to this moment.”
Ties to Foxtrot Leaders
The young suspect was reportedly involved with the Foxtrot network and had close connections with Ali Shehab, a prominent figure within the group, who was apprehended in Iraq in December.
At the time of his arrest, the 16-year-old was residing in a child welfare facility in Norway. Since then, he has been held in custody while undergoing multiple interrogations by Norway’s Kripos. Interviews revealed that he feels remorse for the families of those he is accused of helping to kill, stating, “The families are innocent.” However, he stops short of showing sympathy for the targets of his alleged assignments.
In a moment of reflection, the boy conceded, “I have, to some extent, ruined the lives of those I’ve recruited. It is not particularly pleasant for a mother to look her son in the eye and know that he has killed someone.”
As this case unfolds, the implications extend beyond the individual, potentially impacting community safety and broader societal concerns in both Norway and Sweden.
Published: January 19, 2026, at 12:32 PM
Updated: January 19, 2026, at 1:28 PM