A Norwegian teenager has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder after travelling to Manchester Airport to carry out a killing on British soil. Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, was arrested in a hotel room in Huddersfield in March last year.
Arrest and Evidence
Officers raided the hotel room and detained Natland, who mimicked aiming a firearm at them before being restrained. He was found with two firearms, 19 rounds of ammunition, and bundles of cash. He had been acting on instructions from the Foxtrot Network, an organised crime network linked to criminal operations on behalf of the Iranian regime.
He was directed to murder an individual in the UK, though the intended target has never been identified. Messages on his mobile phone included precise instructions, maps, photographs, and videos detailing the location of a 'hide' where the weapons were stored.
Digital Communications
Counter Terrorism Police officers examined his digital communications and found messages received via social media while he was still in Norway, requesting he carry out a shooting on British soil. A payment of 25,000 Euros was proposed.
Natland received instructions on which flight to take and what steps to follow from an individual using the username 'Agent 47', a reference to the Hitman video game series. Agent 47 directed him to an address in Huddersfield to collect money and provided the name of a hotel. During his stay, he exchanged messages with friends in Norway, sharing photographs of the weapons.
Guilty Verdict
When a friend asked if he had 'tested the weapons', Natland replied: "Hell no. They will be tested on the guy." CCTV footage showed him buying gloves in preparation. He was arrested just two days after arriving at Manchester Airport, on the early morning of 19 March 2025.
In his evidence, Natland claimed he planned to shoot himself in the foot to avoid consequences, but the jury returned a guilty verdict on conspiracy to commit murder after a two-week trial at the Old Bailey. He had already pleaded guilty to possession of the firearms and ammunition. Sentencing is scheduled for October.
Police Response
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."
