A chilling courtroom drama is unfolding in Sweden as five teenagers stand trial over an alleged plot to assassinate a high-profile Iranian dissident.
The case centres on Arvin Khoshnood, a researcher known for his outspoken criticism of the Iranian government, who prosecutors say was the target of a planned killing.
The trial is being held behind closed doors at the Gothenburg District Court and involves suspects aged between 15 and 17. Three of the teenagers are facing attempted murder charges, while the other two are accused of aiding the plot.
Prosecutors allege the incident occurred on September 2, 2025, in Malmö, when a 16-year-old suspect allegedly showed up at Khoshnood’s home armed with a knife. The teenager reportedly tried to gain entry by asking Khoshnood’s wife if he was inside.
Sensing danger, Khoshnood is said to have warned his wife to shut the door. He also managed to snap a photo of the suspect — a move that later became a key piece of evidence in the investigation. He was not physically harmed.
Following the incident, Khoshnood and his family were moved to a secure, undisclosed location due to ongoing threats.
Investigators claim the alleged attacker was recruited through messaging apps and promised payment for carrying out the hit. Other suspects, along with an unidentified mastermind, are believed to have coordinated the plan, supplied the weapon, and negotiated terms for the attack.
Prosecutor Per-Erik Rinsell described the case as a disturbing example of “crime as a service,” where criminal networks outsource violent acts to minors.
Khoshnood has pointed fingers at Foxtrot Network, one of Sweden’s most notorious gangs, which he believes orchestrated the plot. The network’s alleged leader, Rawa Majid, has reportedly been linked to Iranian authorities.
The dissident is also known for supporting Reza Pahlavi and frequently appears in Swedish media as a commentator on Iranian affairs.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s security agency, Swedish Security Service, has repeatedly warned that Iran poses a growing national security threat, accusing it of using criminal gangs within the country to target opposition figures — claims Tehran has denied.
Authorities say rising tensions in the Middle East have heightened risks to United States, Israel, and Jewish interests in Sweden.
In a further twist, one of the teenagers is also accused of separately plotting to bomb the headquarters of Aimpoint in Malmö. Several of the suspects have also been linked to another attempted murder case in Uddevalla shortly after the alleged attack on Khoshnood.
