Teenage Norwegian 'hitman' guilty of UK murder plot
A 19-year-old Norwegian man has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder after traveling to the UK to carry out a contract killing. The plot was linked to the Swedish 'Foxtrot Network,' an organized crime group known for hiring teenagers to perform violent acts.
Why it matters
The case underscores the rise of 'violence-as-a-service' models in international organized crime and the challenges of cross-border law enforcement.
Image source, COUNTER TERRORISM POLICING Image caption, Johannes Natland was found guilty of conspiracy to murder
A teenager who travelled from Norway to the UK on an emergency passport to carry out a "hit" for a Swedish organised crime group has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder.
An Old Bailey jury heard how Johannes Natland, 19, was arrested in a hotel room in Huddersfield with two working guns and 19 rounds of live ammunition in March 2025.
He pleaded guilty to possession of the firearms and ammunition but had denied the conspiracy charge.
Following a retrial, Natland showed no emotion as the jury brought in a unanimous guilty verdict after deliberating for just over 17 hours.
During the trial opening, prosecutor Alistair Richardson said the teen was "recruited" by the Foxtrot Network, which was described as a Swedish organised crime group backed by the Iranian regime.
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