A 19-year-old Norwegian national, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, has been convicted in the United Kingdom of conspiring to commit murder. The conviction follows his travel to Britain with two firearms and ammunition as part of an alleged assassination plot believed by investigators to be orchestrated by a sanctioned organised crime group with alleged links to the Iranian state.
Natland was found guilty after a two-week trial at the Old Bailey, one of the UK’s central criminal courts. He had previously pleaded guilty to two separate offences related to the possession of the firearms and ammunition recovered upon his arrest. Sentencing for all charges is scheduled for October.
The plot was uncovered when officers arrested Natland in the early hours of March 19, 2025, at a hotel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. This was just two days after he had arrived in the UK via Manchester Airport. A search of his hotel room yielded a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and 19 rounds of ammunition, all concealed within a plastic bag hidden beneath his bed.
Investigations led by Counter Terrorism Policing London revealed that Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, an organised crime group that has been sanctioned by the UK government. Significantly, investigators stated that the network has also been linked to criminal activities carried out on behalf of the Iranian state, adding a layer of international geopolitical concern to the case.
While the specific identity of the intended target remains undisclosed by police, evidence presented during the investigation indicated that Natland was fully aware he had been tasked with carrying out a killing in the UK. This understanding was a critical factor in the jury’s decision to convict him of conspiracy to murder.
The investigation meticulously traced Natland’s movements and communications. CCTV footage from both Manchester Airport and the Huddersfield hotel showed him travelling by taxi to a secluded wooded area. It was there that he collected the bag containing the hidden weapons. Digital forensics on his mobile phone uncovered a trove of messages, including maps, photographs, and videos, which meticulously directed him to the precise location where the firearms were concealed.
Further examination of his digital communications unveiled the recruitment process itself. Natland had been contacted through social media while still in Norway and was propositioned to carry out a shooting in Britain. Financial inducement was a key element, with a payment of €25,000 having been discussed for the task. The instructions were highly detailed, with a user operating under the alias “Agent 47” dictating which flight Natland should take and providing precise instructions for his actions upon arrival in the UK. This same online handler directed him to a specific address in Huddersfield to collect money, before advising him on which hotel to book.
During his brief time in Britain, Natland engaged in communications that further incriminated him. He sent photographs of the weapons to friends in Norway. In a chilling exchange, when one friend inquired whether he had tested the firearms, Natland replied directly:“Hell no. They will be tested on the guy.”This message contradicted his defence during the trial.
In court, Natland attempted to argue that he had no genuine intention of carrying out the killing. Instead, he claimed his plan was to shoot himself in the foot as a means of avoiding repercussions for refusing the assigned task. However, the jury ultimately rejected this account, finding him guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, a verdict that underscores their belief in his genuine intent to participate in the plot.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who heads Counter Terrorism Policing London, lauded the swift and professional police response. In a news update, she was quoted stating:“Due to the swift and professional work of CTP London officers, supported by officers from West Yorkshire Police and CTP North East, Natland was arrested before he was able to carry out a murder in the UK.”This emphasizes the critical role of proactive law enforcement in preventing potentially deadly attacks.
Commander Flanagan also highlighted the crucial aspect of international cooperation in combating such complex threats. She added:“This investigation highlights the importance of the strong links with our international law enforcement partners to counter the very real threat of criminal organisations across European borders. We’ve worked particularly closely with colleagues from Norwegian law enforcement authorities and as a result, we have stopped somebody from being assassinated here in the UK.”This underscores the transnational nature of organised crime and the necessity of seamless collaboration between national police forces.
Flanagan further affirmed the broader impact of the operation, continuing:“Our investigation, which remains ongoing, has also resulted in two lethal weapons and ammunition being taken out of criminal hands and off the streets of the UK which has undoubtedly made the public safer.”The removal of dangerous firearms from circulation represents a tangible benefit to public safety beyond the immediate prevention of the assassination.
The successful operation involved significant inter-agency cooperation within the UK, specifically between Counter Terrorism Policing London, West Yorkshire Police, and Counter Terrorism Policing North East. This was further bolstered by vital intelligence sharing and collaborative efforts with Norwegian law enforcement authorities, demonstrating a unified approach to a cross-border criminal threat.
The investigation into the broader plot remains active and ongoing. In connection with the case, a 27-year-old man who was arrested in September 2025 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder has since been released under investigation. Additionally, two other men, aged 30 and 27, were arrested in Bradford on May 20 on suspicion of handling a stolen car. Both individuals were released on bail after being questioned, indicating that police are continuing to pursue all potential avenues and connections related to the wider network.
Why This Matters
This case transcends the typical bounds of organised crime, carrying significant implications for national security, international relations, and public safety. Firstly, the alleged involvement of the Foxtrot Network, an organised crime group already sanctioned by the UK, and its purported links to the Iranian state, raises serious concerns about foreign state-sponsored criminal activity and potential assassination plots on British soil. This directly challenges the UK’s sovereignty and stability, indicating a willingness by external actors to use proxies for violent acts within other nations’ borders. Such allegations necessitate a robust response to protect national interests and citizens.
Secondly, the method of recruitment, through social media by an anonymous handler (“Agent 47”), highlights the evolving landscape of transnational crime and the ease with which individuals, particularly young and potentially vulnerable ones, can be drawn into high-stakes criminal enterprises from afar. It underscores the critical need for vigilance regarding online radicalisation and recruitment by criminal and hostile state actors, prompting calls for enhanced digital policing and public awareness campaigns.
Thirdly, the swift and effective intervention by UK and Norwegian law enforcement agencies demonstrates the indispensable value of international cooperation and intelligence sharing in countering complex, cross-border threats. The prevention of an assassination and the removal of dangerous firearms from the streets are direct results of this collaborative effort, underscoring that such crimes cannot be tackled by a single nation in isolation. This case serves as a model for how international partnerships are vital in safeguarding global security.
Finally, the conviction of Johannes Kongsnes Natland sends a clear message that the UK will vigorously pursue and prosecute individuals involved in such plots, regardless of their nationality or the alleged backing they receive. It reinforces the rule of law and the determination to prevent acts of violence orchestrated by organised crime groups or foreign states, thereby contributing to the safety and security of the British public and upholding the integrity of the nation’s legal system.