Norwegian teen jailed for 20 years over UK assassination plot

Johannes Kongsnes Natland, a 19-year-old Norwegian national, has been sentenced to 20 years in a British prison for his role in a conspiracy to commit murder. Natland was recruited online through gaming by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organized crime group with alleged ties to the Iranian regime.

In March 2025, Natland traveled from Norway to Huddersfield, England, where he was arrested at a hotel two days after arrival. Police discovered a pistol, a revolver, and ammunition in his possession. He had reportedly agreed to carry out the assassination of an unknown target for a payment of approximately €25,000 (roughly AUD$40,000).

During his sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb noted that while Natland claimed he did not intend to follow through with the crime, he had pursued the plan despite multiple opportunities to withdraw. The Foxtrot Network has previously been sanctioned for conducting violence against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of Iran.