Iran’s use of criminal networks as terrorist proxies in Europe

Question for written answer E-002059/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomas Tobé (PPE)

The Iranian regime's use of criminal networks as terrorist proxies in Europe poses a grave threat to our internal security.

The Swedish Security Service confirmed earlier this year that the Iranian regime has been using criminal networks in Sweden to carry out violent acts against other states, groups, or individuals in Sweden that Iran regards as threats[1]. Similar reports have been made in several other European countries[2].

Iran's hostile activities abroad are not a new phenomenon. The European Parliament has repeatedly called for the EU to take action against the Iranian regime, including by adding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the EU terrorist list[3].

However, it is clear that further measures are needed at EU level to target the links between the Iranian regime and criminal networks that operate across borders in Europe.

In view of the above:

What action does the Commission intend to take to help Member States prevent, avert, and reduce the possibility of Iran and other hostile state actors carrying out security-threatening activities in the EU?

Submitted: 14.10.2024

• [1] https://sakerhetspolisen.se/ovriga-sidor/other-languages/english-engelska/press-room/news/news/2024-05-30-iran-is-using-criminal-networks-in-sweden.html
• [2] https://www.counterterrorismgroup.com/post/psa-iran-using-organized-criminal-gangs-in-sweden-as-proxies-to-attack-israeli-and-jewish-targets-p
• [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2024-0382_EN.html