A Norwegian teenager flew to the UK with the intention of carrying out an assassination after receiving orders from an individual using the alias 'Agent 47', a reference to the Hitman video game series. Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, was detained by armed officers in a Huddersfield hotel room in March 2025, just two days after landing at Manchester Airport.
Arrival and Arrest
Natland was discovered with two firearms, 19 rounds of ammunition, and bundles of cash. He was acting on instructions from an organised crime syndicate known as the Foxtrot Network, which is connected to criminal operations on behalf of the Iranian regime. The intended target has not been identified.
Video footage shows Natland mimicking brandishing a firearm and firing at police before being forced against a wall and handcuffed. A bag containing a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and bullets was found beneath his bed. CCTV confirmed he had travelled by taxi to a wooded area of Huddersfield to collect the firearms.
Instructions from Agent 47
Messages uncovered on his mobile revealed detailed instructions, including maps, photographs, and footage of where the weapons were hidden. He had received messages on social media while in Norway requesting him to undertake a shooting in the UK, with a sum of 25,000 Euros proposed. The alias 'Agent 47' directed him on which flight to take and where to stay.
During his stay, Natland messaged friends in Norway, including photographs of the firearms. When a friend asked if he had tested the weapons, he replied: 'Hell no. They will be tested on the guy.' He also recorded video of himself wielding the guns and posing with money. CCTV captured him purchasing gloves in preparation for the killing.
Conviction and Sentencing
Natland was arrested before he could execute the shooting. He maintained in court that he had no intention of carrying out the assassination and planned to 'shoot himself in the foot' to avoid consequences. However, the jury convicted him of conspiracy to commit murder after a fortnight-long trial at the Old Bailey. He had previously admitted guilt to possessing the firearms and ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled at the Old Bailey in October. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, stated: '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.'
