Iranian intelligence has increasingly been employing criminal gangs to execute operations, as exemplified by a recent assassination attempt on an Iranian journalist living in the Netherlands. During this incident, messages were found on phones instructing assailants to jump from balconies, break windows and doors, shoot the journalist, and send a picture of the deceased. This assassination order reportedly originated from Iran. The suspects arrested by the police were identified as members of these criminal organizations, highlighting the transnational nature of the threat.

The implications of this strategy are significant, as it allows Iranian intelligence to utilize cheap and easily replaceable operatives, including minors. An Iranian intelligence researcher living in Sweden pointed out that this method has been observed in Sweden as well in recent years. This marks a disturbing trend where criminal networks act as proxies for state-sponsored activities, complicating law enforcement and security efforts in Finland and beyond.

As these criminal connections extend into Finland, there could be a rising concern over the safety of individuals who may be targets of Iranian operatives. The Finnish Security Intelligence Service (SUPO) has acknowledged this danger and is monitoring developments closely, indicating a need for increased vigilance and preparedness to counter such threats within Finnish borders.