A 19-year-old Norwegian teenager flew to the United Kingdom with the alleged intention of carrying out a murder for hire, having been recruited by a Swedish organised crime network with ties to the Iranian regime, a court has heard.
Teenager's arrival and arrest
Johannes Kongsnes Natland, from Stavanger in south-west Norway, arrived at Manchester Airport on March 18. When questioned by Border Force officers about his age and lack of funds, he claimed he had come to visit gamer friends and see landmarks. However, two days later, he was arrested at the Briar Court Hotel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
During the arrest, specialist firearms officers observed the defendant coming to the doorway and mimicking a firearm with his hands, pretending to shoot at one of the officers. Police subsequently discovered a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and 12 rounds of live ammunition in his possession.
Recruitment by Foxtrot Network
Prosecutor Alastair Richardson told the Old Bailey that Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by the Iranian regime. The teenager allegedly agreed to work for the group in exchange for money. The court heard that an individual referred to as Agent 47 had contacted a figure with the username Generalen to request someone to carry out an assassination in the UK. In the message, Agent 47 mentioned that there was 25,000 euros (approximately £21,590) available for the job.
On March 15, Natland was contacted by a user called UnknownHustler, who informed him of the assignment. The defendant later messaged his girlfriend, saying: "I'm going on a crazy mission." In a group chat, Generalen introduced Natland to Agent 47, stating: "This is the assassin for EU, brother."
Preparation and evidence
After leaving the airport, Natland took a taxi to a hotel in Manchester. That night, Agent 47 sent him a message: "Sleep and when you wake up we start." The defendant collected the firearms and ammunition, then messaged his girlfriend: "In the bag is bang." He also purchased rubber gloves and arranged a car, the prosecutor told jurors.
The court was shown messages indicating that Natland had informed his girlfriend of his intentions before leaving Norway. The prosecutor emphasised that while the intended victim remains unknown, the messages and the defendant's statements to friends made his plan clear.
Organisational structure of Foxtrot Network
Mr Richardson explained that the Foxtrot Network, though based in Sweden, has leadership residing elsewhere. The group frequently employs very young perpetrators with whom they have no direct link, using social media to facilitate cross-border crime. The network operates with multiple levels: instigators like Agent 47, lower-end recruiters such as Generalen, facilitators responsible for logistics, and enforcers—the young men at the bottom of the chain. These enforcers often come from institutions like care homes and have no connection with the intended victim.
The prosecutor told the jury that this information was provided to help them understand the serious nature of the enterprise the defendant allegedly entered into.
Legal proceedings
Natland denies a charge of conspiracy to murder. The trial at the Old Bailey continues.
