A Norwegian teenager, Johannes Natland, journeyed to the UK from Norway with intentions to carry out a criminal act for a Swedish gang, as revealed by his mother. Natland’s plans were foiled when he was apprehended by the police in a Huddersfield hotel room, where they discovered two firearms and 19 rounds of ammunition in his possession. The Old Bailey trial disclosed that the 19-year-old, a talented footballer, had been assigned by the Foxtrot Network, an organized crime group, to engage in unlawful activities on behalf of the Iranian regime.
The murder target, associated with the sanctioned Scandinavian group, remains unidentified. Following a retrial, Natland was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder by the jury after a deliberation period exceeding 17 hours. Despite the verdict, he displayed no emotional reaction in court. While Natland admitted to possessing the firearms and ammunition, he denied the conspiracy charge. Nonetheless, evidence presented by CTP London officers indicated his full awareness of the purpose behind the criminal mission.
During the trial, Natland claimed he had no intention of executing the assassination and only pretended to comply to avoid consequences. However, the jury’s assessment of the evidence led to a guilty verdict for conspiracy to commit murder. Natland is scheduled for sentencing at the Old Bailey in October.
Ellen, Natland’s mother, expressed her desire for her son to serve his sentence in Norway, citing concerns about the UK prison conditions. She emphasized Natland’s non-involvement in English gangs and his fear of a prolonged prison term. Helen Flanagan, Commander of CTP London, commended the swift action of law enforcement officers in preventing Natland from carrying out the murder plot in the UK. Flanagan highlighted the significance of international law enforcement collaboration in combating cross-border criminal organizations, noting the successful interception of lethal weapons and ammunition, enhancing public safety in the UK.
