Norwegian teen convicted in UK of murder plot hired by Swedish crime group

A Norwegian teenager has been convicted in Britain for his role in a murder plot orchestrated by a Swedish crime syndicate with alleged ties to Iran. Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, traveled to the UK in March 2025 with the intention of killing an unidentified individual for a payment of 25,000 euros.

British authorities apprehended Natland at a northern England hotel, discovering two loaded firearms hidden beneath his bed. The Metropolitan Police stated that Natland was recruited by the Foxtrot network, a group designated for sanctions by the UK, which is known to carry out criminal activities for Iran. Rawa Majid, reportedly linked to Iran, founded Foxtrot between 2015 and 2019 and is associated with numerous violent crimes in Sweden.

After deliberating for approximately 17 hours, a jury at London's Old Bailey court found Natland guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. While he remained impassive upon the verdict, he had previously admitted to possessing firearms and ammunition. However, he denied the conspiracy charge, asserting he had no intention of killing anyone.

The investigation, led by the London police's counter-terrorism unit, uncovered social media messages containing instructions from a user identified as "Agent 47." Natland also shared photos of the weapons with friends in Norway, with one friend inquiring if he had tested them. Natland reportedly replied that he would "test them on that man."

Natland's recruiter, a 17-year-old, was convicted in Norway last May for attempted accessory to murder. Norwegian police have also charged three other individuals, though prosecutors have not yet decided whether to press charges.

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He would test them on that man.