A court has been informed that a Norwegian teenager was enlisted by a Swedish criminal organization working with the Iranian regime to carry out a murder in England.
The 19-year-old, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, traveled to the UK with the intention of committing a crime in exchange for money, although he claimed to airport officials that his visit was for sightseeing purposes. Allegedly, Natland was acting on behalf of a group known as Foxtrot Network, which is connected to a Swedish criminal syndicate associated with the Iranian regime.
Natland flew from Norway to Manchester Airport on March 18 but was apprehended in a hotel room in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire two days later. Upon search, law enforcement found a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and 12 live rounds of ammunition in his possession. According to the prosecution, Natland, hailing from Stavanger in south-west Norway, had agreed to participate in the criminal activity in exchange for monetary compensation.
An individual identified as Agent 47 reached out to a contact named Generalen, seeking someone to carry out an assassination in the UK. Agent 47 mentioned a sum of 25,000 euros (£21,590) as part of the arrangement.
On March 15, Natland was contacted by a user called UnknownHustler, informing him of the task. Subsequently, Natland messaged his girlfriend about his upcoming “crazy mission.”
Upon his arrival in the UK, Natland faced questioning by Border Force officers due to concerns about his age and financial situation. He claimed that he had come to visit friends and tourist attractions in the city.
After leaving the airport, Natland received a message from Agent 47 instructing him to prepare for the operation. Natland acquired the weapons and ammunition and informed his girlfriend of the situation. Additionally, he purchased rubber gloves and arranged for a vehicle, as detailed by the prosecutor.
Specialist firearms officers arrested Natland at the Briar Court Hotel in Huddersfield on March 19. During the arrest, Natland allegedly mimicked holding a firearm and pretending to shoot at an officer.
The court was informed that the Foxtrot Network, although operating out of Sweden, has leadership residing in other locations. The prosecutor emphasized that the group often recruits young individuals through social media for cross-border criminal activities.
The trial at the Old Bailey continues, with Natland denying the charge of conspiracy to commit murder.