Norwegian Teen Sentenced to 20 Years for Plotting UK Murder for Iran-Linked Gang

A Norwegian teenager, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for plotting to carry out a contract killing in the United Kingdom on behalf of an international crime gang with alleged links to the Iranian government. Natland was found guilty in July of conspiracy to murder, having agreed to kill an unknown target for 25,000 euros (approximately $28,000 USD).

Natland was apprehended at a hotel in Huddersfield, northern England, two days after his arrival in the UK. Authorities found him in possession of two firearms and ammunition. While Natland admitted to possessing the weapons and ammunition, he stated he had not intended to proceed with the murder plot.

According to counterterrorism officers from London’s Metropolitan Police, the crime group, known as the Foxtrot Network, has ties to the Iranian government. Natland, who was working part-time at a pizza restaurant at the time of his arrest, was reportedly recruited by the Swedish-based Foxtrot Network through an online gaming platform.

During the sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb stated, "You agreed to be the enforcer and pursued it, despite numerous opportunities to extricate yourself." She added, "Although the fact that no one was shot dead or physically harmed is important, I am sure had the intervention of the police not prevented the plan from proceeding, you would have done what you had agreed to."

Natland was reportedly hired by a 17-year-old known as “Generalen,” who was convicted last year in Norway for attempting to "contribute to murder" and received a 14-year sentence. Norwegian police have since charged three more individuals in connection with the case, with prosecutors yet to decide on indictment.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, commended the "exceptional work" of the police in both Britain and Norway, which led to Natland's arrest before the planned assassination could take place. She noted that Natland was being directed by individuals within the Foxtrot Network, an organization sanctioned by the UK and US for its role in orchestrating violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime.

The UK government previously imposed sanctions on the Foxtrot Network and its leader, citing their involvement in violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe for the Iranian regime. These sanctions include an asset freeze, prohibiting UK businesses from handling funds or economic assets controlled by the organization.