Johannes Kongsnes Natland, a 19-year-old Norwegian, has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder after flying into the UK to kill a stranger on behalf of the Sweden-based Foxtrot Network, a gang backed by the Iranian regime. He faces a life sentence.
The plot and arrest
Natland, from Stavanger, was recruited by a 17-year-old known as 'Generalen', who was later convicted in Norway of attempting to contribute to murder. The gang, which has been involved in at least 30 murders, deployed children as young as 13. Natland agreed to carry out the hit for £21,600, saying he wanted to look 'cool' in front of his girlfriend.
He arrived in the UK on a flight on March 17 last year using a temporary passport. Border Force officials stopped him at Manchester Airport but bailed him to return for the next flight home. Instead, he took a taxi to Huddersfield, where he collected £2,000 in cash, two guns, and ammunition, and was directed to a stolen Nissan with false plates. He checked into the Briar Court Hotel and sent his girlfriend photos of the weapons and cash.
Arrest and trial
Armed police raided his hotel room at 5:15am the next day. Natland emerged smiling in boxer shorts and pretended to shoot an officer with his empty hands. Officers seized a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, 12 rounds of live ammunition, gloves, and £2,000. Natland admitted possession of firearms and ammunition but claimed he planned to shoot himself in the foot to escape the 'pickle' he was in.
Jurors heard he had lied repeatedly after arrest and tried to persuade his girlfriend not to give evidence. After a retrial, an Old Bailey jury deliberated for 17 hours and six minutes to convict him. Prosecutor Alistair Richardson said: 'The reality is the defendant is a troubled but dangerous young man. A young man who agreed to kill in a foreign country for money.'
Recruitment and motivations
Natland was controlled by an English-speaking boss called 'Agent 47', whose identity and whereabouts remain unknown. He was brought into the plot after another recruit backed out. In messages to his girlfriend, Natland said: 'Now I can finally kill someone and it’s perfect as I get money to do it.' Despite claiming it was bravado, he admitted he was terrified inside.
Three more people have been charged by Norwegian police, with prosecutors yet to decide whether to indict them. Natland's recruiter, Generalen, was convicted in May last year. The Foxtrot Network is proscribed and known for violent crimes, including drug smuggling.
