Johannes Kongsnes Natland, a 19-year-old Norwegian, has been convicted of conspiracy to murder after traveling to the United Kingdom to execute a contract killing for the Foxtrot Network, a Sweden-based organized crime group with links to Iran. The verdict was delivered by an Old Bailey jury following a retrial, with jurors deliberating for over 17 hours before reaching their decision.
The Conviction and Sentence
Natland now faces a mandatory life sentence for his role in the plot. Prosecutors revealed that he agreed to carry out the murder for £21,600, traveling from Stavanger, Norway, to Manchester in March of the previous year. Investigators stated that Natland did not know the identity of the intended victim or the motive behind the killing but accepted the assignment to impress his girlfriend and earn money.
The Plan and Recruitment
The court heard that Natland was recruited by a 17-year-old associate known as "Generalen," who was later convicted in Norway for gang-related murders and facilitating the planned killing in England. The Foxtrot Network, described as one of Europe's most notorious criminal organizations, has been linked to multiple murders across Scandinavia and is allegedly backed by Iranian interests.
Evidence showed that Natland remained committed to the plan even after learning that his recruiter had been arrested while he was en route to the UK. Under instructions from an English-speaking handler identified only as "Agent 47," he traveled to Huddersfield after arriving at Manchester Airport. There, he collected two firearms, ammunition, £2,000 in cash, and a stolen vehicle intended for use in the attack.
Arrest and Evidence
Armed officers arrested Natland at a hotel in Huddersfield before the planned shooting could be executed. A search of his hotel room uncovered a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, 12 rounds of live ammunition, gloves, and the cash. During the trial, prosecutors presented messages sent by Natland, including one in which he allegedly told his girlfriend he was "going on a crazy mission" and suggested he would be paid to kill someone.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Natland admitted to possessing the firearms and ammunition but denied conspiracy to murder. He claimed he initially believed the plan was a scam before becoming trapped by the criminal network. In his defense, he told the court he intended to shoot himself in the foot to avoid carrying out the killing, citing fear of being murdered by gang members if he backed out.
The prosecution rejected his account, arguing that Natland repeatedly lied during the investigation and only raised claims of fear during his trial. Prosecutor Alistair Richardson described him as "a troubled but dangerous young man" who had agreed to kill for money in a foreign country. The court also heard that Natland attempted to persuade his girlfriend not to testify while making telephone calls from prison.
Ongoing Investigations
The identity and whereabouts of the handler known as "Agent 47" remain unknown. Norwegian authorities continue investigations involving other suspects linked to the plot. Natland is due to be sentenced at a later date and faces life imprisonment for the conspiracy to murder conviction.
