Teenage Assassin Recruited by Iranian-Backed Foxtrot Network
Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, arrested with firearms in UK after flying from Norway for 25,000 euro hit.
Sarah Connor
A 19-year-old Norwegian man was arrested in Huddersfield with two guns and 12 live bullets.
Natland flew from Stavanger to Manchester Airport on March 17 last year. An English-speaking boss, known only as Agent 47, controlled his movements, prosecution claims state.
The Foxtrot Network, which backed Natland, faces sanctions from the UK and the US for its links to the Iranian government. Commander Helen Flanagan stated, "Natland was clearly being tasked by someone in the Foxtrot Network, an organised criminal group sanctioned by the UK and the US due to its involvement in orchestrating violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime."
The Foxtrot gang deploys children in criminal activities. Prosecution claims suggest they use individuals as young as 13 in drug smuggling and violent crimes. Natland's recruiter, 'Generalen', worked for this proscribed Swedish Foxtrot gang.
Before leaving for the UK, Natland confided in his girlfriend, messaging her, "I’m going on crazy mission." He also bragged to his girlfriend that he had the “bangs in the bag.”
I’m going on crazy mission.
A footballer friend of Natland recalled him discussing the “Swedish Foxes” and stating, "I’m going to get a lot of money and somebody is going to die." Natland also said, "Now I can finally kill someone and it’s perfect as I get money to do it. I can kill someone and life will be wonderful."
Natland claimed he would have shot himself in the foot to escape the “pickle” he was in. He told jurors he wanted to look “cool” to his peers, but it was merely “bravado,” and he was “terrified” inside.
He maintained he was not an international assassin, believing people expected him to be that person, but he knew he was not. This stands in contrast to 'Generalen' being convicted in Norway in May 2025 of attempting to "contribute to murder."
Two men, aged 30 and 27, were arrested in Bradford on May 20 on suspicion of handling stolen goods related to a car and later released on bail. Three more people have been charged by Norwegian police in connection with the wider plot.