A teenage footballer turned alleged hitman told a friend he was going to get a lot of money and somebody would die before flying to Manchester, a court has heard. Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of travelling from Norway to Manchester Airport on March 17 last year to carry out a hit for money.
Natland, from Stavanger in south-west Norway, was allegedly tasked by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by the Iranian regime. His plans were thwarted when police arrested him at a hotel in Huddersfield two days after his arrival, jurors heard. Officers found a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and 12 rounds of live ammunition, which he has admitted possessing.
On Thursday, the court heard from Natland's former schoolfriend Lucas Oftedal, who described meeting him on March 15 last year. Mr Oftedal said Natland looked 'healthy' and 'sober' but immediately asked, 'Have you heard of the foxes?' Mr Oftedal said he was stunned and asked if he meant the Swedish Foxtrot gang. He told jurors Natland said, 'I'm going to get a lot of money and somebody is going to die.'
Later, they exchanged messages in which Mr Oftedal warned, 'Yo, hope it's not you carrying out the task. Severe punishment. Be careful.' Natland replied, 'But bloody hell don't talk about this to anyone outside you lot. Tell the others as well.' Mr Oftedal assured him the conversation would not get out, and Natland exclaimed, 'Intense.'
Under cross-examination, Mr Oftedal said Natland had struggled with drugs in the past and spent time in rehab. He described him as a former good student and talented footballer who had become more irritable and down. When asked if Natland was trying to 'look cool', Mr Oftedal said, 'I don't think so. I wasn't sure what to believe, I remember thinking that it's serious.' He added that their group of friends had been 'very concerned' after the conversation.
The trial continues.
