A young Norwegian footballer accused of travelling to the United Kingdom to act as a hitman allegedly told a friend: "I'm going to get a lot of money and somebody is going to die."
Details of the Allegations
Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, is currently on trial at the Old Bailey in London. He is accused of travelling from Norway to Manchester Airport on 17 March last year with the intention of carrying out a "hit" for financial gain. The prosecution alleges that Natland was recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group reportedly used by the Iranian regime.
Two days after his arrival in the UK, police arrested Natland at a hotel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Upon his arrest, officers discovered a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and 12 rounds of live ammunition. Natland has admitted possession of these items but denies conspiracy to murder.
Testimony from Acquaintances
A former schoolfriend, Lucas Oftedal, testified on Thursday that he met Natland on the street on 15 March last year while on his way to a house party. Oftedal described Natland as looking "healthy" and "sober," but recalled that Natland immediately asked, "Have you heard of the foxes?" When Oftedal expressed confusion, Natland allegedly said, "I'm going to get a lot of money and somebody is going to die."
Oftedal later exchanged messages with Natland, warning him: "Yo, hope it's not you carrying out the task. Severe punishment. Be careful." Natland replied by asking Oftedal not to speak to anyone else about the matter and declined to provide further details.
Anders Kallevag, who played football with both Natland and Oftedal, gave evidence via video-link from Norway. He recounted overhearing Natland say, "Someone will die tonight, you know the Swedish Foxes," while standing four to five metres away.
Girlfriend's Evidence
Natland's on-off girlfriend, Sara Solbi, told jurors through an interpreter that Natland had messaged her saying, "I'm going on crazy mission." He asked to meet, claiming he had "wild information to share" but refused to discuss it over the telephone. When asked by prosecutor Alistair Richardson how she felt about this, Solbi replied: "I was not happy about it."
Background and Defence
Oftedal testified that he had known Natland for four to five years and considered him a friend. He described Natland as a talented sportsman and popular student who had previously "struggled" with drugs and spent time in rehab. Under cross-examination by Paul Hynes KC, Oftedal noted that Natland's temperament had changed over time, making him more prone to anger and less like his usual happy self. Oftedal added that Natland would use Xanax, marijuana, alcohol, opiates, and cocaine.
It is not disputed that Natland made statements referring to "the foxes." When asked if he thought Natland was trying to "look cool," Oftedal responded: "I don't think so. I wasn't sure what to believe, I remember thinking that it's serious." He also mentioned that his group of friends had been "very concerned" and that he had considered reporting the conversation to authorities.
The trial at the Old Bailey continues. Natland denies conspiracy to murder but has admitted possession of two firearms and ammunition.
