Bosnia-Sweden arms smuggling investigation

An investigation by the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, supported by Europol, has uncovered an arms smuggling operation allegedly linked to Iranian interests and criminal networks in Sweden.

During raids conducted as part of ‘Operation Thor’ in Sarajevo, Doboj, and Bratunac, authorities seized nine hunting rifles, five pistols, approximately 190 rounds of ammunition, and documentation suspected of being forged to facilitate illegal firearm acquisition. The investigation has identified potential links to the ‘Foxtrot’ criminal network in Sweden, led by Rawa Majid, who has previously been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom due to alleged ties to Iran.

A police official from the Ilijas Police Directorate, suspected of abusing his position to issue fraudulent weapon permits, reportedly sustained self-inflicted gunshot wounds during the operation and later died in a Sarajevo clinical center. Investigators are looking into how permits were misused to procure weapons from companies in Bratunac and Doboj for illegal distribution.