A Norwegian teenager has been found guilty of plotting a contract killing in England on behalf of an international criminal gang reportedly backed by Iran. Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, traveled from Stavanger, Norway, to the UK last March with the intent to carry out a shooting in exchange for 25,000 euros (£21,500).
Natland was arrested at a hotel in Huddersfield just two days after arriving on a flight to Manchester. Police officers seized two firearms, including a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver, along with live ammunition, gloves, and £2,000 in cash. During his arrest, Natland reportedly pretended to shoot at armed officers with empty hands.
Evidence presented at the Old Bailey trial showed that Natland was recruited by a 17-year-old known as “Generalen,” who was later convicted in Norway for attempting to contribute to murder. Generalen is associated with the Swedish Foxtrot gang, which authorities have linked to the Iranian regime and which is known for involving minors in drug trafficking and violent activities. Generalen reportedly recruited Natland after another candidate withdrew from the plot.
Natland acted under the direction of an English-speaking handler known only as “Agent 47,” a moniker referencing a popular video game and film franchise centered on a professional assassin. The exact identity and location of this individual remain unknown. Despite learning that Generalen had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, Natland proceeded with the plan.
According to testimony, Natland initially reached the UK using a temporary passport and evaded immediate apprehension by Border Force officials at Manchester Airport, who had bailed him under the condition he return for a flight home. Instead, he traveled to Huddersfield, where he collected weapons and cash. During this time, Natland communicated with his girlfriend, boasting about having the “bangs in the bag” and expressing excitement about the mission.
Natland’s defense characterized him as a troubled young man caught up in dangerous circumstances. He told jurors that although he had agreed to the plan to fund his drug addiction, he intended to shoot himself in the foot to avoid harming anyone, describing the situation as a "pickle" from which he sought escape. He admitted to lying after his arrest and attempting to influence his girlfriend not to testify.
Prosecutors, however, portrayed Natland as a dangerous individual who knowingly consented to commit murder for financial gain. Testimony from friends and family detailed his descent into drug use and erratic behavior, including conversations where Natland spoke about killing someone to earn money and described the mission as “crazy.”
Following 17 hours and six minutes of deliberation, the jury convicted Natland of conspiracy to murder. Norwegian authorities have also charged three additional individuals linked to the case, with decisions on further prosecutions pending.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about transnational criminal networks operating in Europe that recruit young individuals for violent and illicit activities. Authorities continue to investigate the wider gang connections and the influence of foreign regimes in these operations.