Poya Shafie (29), a high-ranking member of the Foxtrot criminal network, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Swedish court for his role in coordinating a violent gang conflict from abroad. According to reports from SVT, the court convicted Shafie of multiple counts of solicitation of attempted murder and complicity in preparation for murder, citing the severe danger his actions posed to the public.
How did the Foxtrot network operate from abroad?
Swedish authorities determined that Shafie, alongside network leader Rawa Majid—widely known as the “Kurdish Fox”—managed criminal operations from outside Swedish borders. According to court records, Shafie left Sweden in 2022 and was later photographed with Majid in Iraq. The duo allegedly utilized Turkey and Iraq as operational hubs to direct violence within Sweden, bypassing traditional domestic law enforcement reach.
The Foxtrot network’s reach extended across multiple international borders, relying on forged documents and regional instability to maintain a command structure that operated entirely outside of Swedish jurisdiction for years.
What led to the arrest of Poya Shafie?
Shafie’s capture was the result of a specific diplomatic shift between Sweden and Iraq. After traveling to Iraq using a falsified Iranian passport, he was apprehended by Iraqi security forces. He remained in Iraqi custody from 2023 until the fall of 2025. Following the implementation of a bilateral agreement concerning the transfer of prisoners, Iraq extradited Shafie to Sweden. Swedish police arrested him immediately upon his arrival at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm.
Why is this conviction significant for Swedish law enforcement?
The life sentence handed down to Shafie marks a major development in the state’s efforts to dismantle the Foxtrot network. The district court stated in a press release reported by SVT that the crimes were “highly socially harmful” and occurred in a context that endangered the lives of innocent bystanders. This ruling sets a precedent for how Swedish courts handle transnational gang leaders who attempt to insulate themselves from prosecution by fleeing the country.
Follow official updates from the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen) to track ongoing trends in organized crime and the impact of new extradition treaties on international criminal syndicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Poya Shafie? He is a central figure in the Foxtrot criminal network who was recently sentenced to life in prison for coordinating violent crimes from abroad.
- What is the Foxtrot network? It is a prominent Swedish criminal organization led by Rawa Majid, known for its involvement in high-profile gang violence.
- How was he caught? After being detained in Iraq, he was transferred to Sweden under a new prisoner exchange agreement and arrested at Arlanda Airport.
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