Arrest and evidence
A Norwegian teenager, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder after flying to Manchester International Airport with the intention of carrying out an assassination in the UK. He was arrested in a hotel room in Huddersfield in March 2025, two days after landing. Police found two firearms, 19 rounds of ammunition, and bags of cash. Natland was acting under orders from the Foxtrot Network, an organised crime group with links to the Iranian regime.
Video footage captured Natland mimicking pointing a gun at officers before being pinned against a wall and handcuffed. Under his hotel bed, a plastic bag contained a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and 19 bullets. CCTV showed him taking a taxi to a wooded area in Huddersfield to collect the weapons.
Digital instructions from 'Agent 47'
Digital communications analysed by Counter Terrorism Police revealed that Natland had received instructions via social media while still in Norway. A user named 'Agent 47' told him which flight to take and what to do on arrival. The plan included a payment of 25,000 Euros. Natland was given maps, pictures, and videos showing where a cache of guns was located.
During his stay, he sent photos of the weapons to friends in Norway. One friend asked if he had tested them; Natland replied: "Hell no. They will be tested on the guy."
Intended victim unknown
The identity of the intended murder target has never been revealed. In his trial testimony, Natland claimed he had no real intention of carrying out the murder. Instead, he said he planned to shoot himself in the foot to avoid consequences if he refused the mission.
Conviction and sentencing
The jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty of conspiracy to commit murder after a two-week trial. He had already pleaded guilty to possessing the guns and ammunition. Sentencing is scheduled for October at the Old Bailey.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: "Due to the swift and professional work of CTP London officers, supported by officers from West Yorkshire Police and CTP North East, Natland was arrested before he was able to carry out a murder in the UK. This investigation highlights the importance of the strong links with our international law enforcement partners to counter the very real threat of criminal organisations across European borders. We've worked particularly closely with colleagues from Norwegian law enforcement authorities and as a result, we have stopped somebody from being assassinated here in the UK. Our investigation, which remains ongoing, has also resulted in two lethal weapons and ammunition being taken out of criminal hands and off the streets of the UK which has undoubtedly made the public safer."
