Norwegian teen convicted of murder conspiracy in Iran-linked plot

A Norwegian teenager has been convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in Britain, in a case that prosecutors say involved recruitment by a Swedish organized crime group acting on behalf of the Iranian government. Johannes Natland, 19, was found guilty at London's Old Bailey court after admitting to possessing a pistol and ammunition but denying the murder plot.

Natland was arrested in a hotel room in Huddersfield, northern England, last March. Prosecutors detailed how he was recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organized crime group sanctioned by both Britain and the United States. The group allegedly acted as a proxy force for the Iranian state. Prosecutor Alistair Richardson told the jury that Natland was recruited by someone named "Agent 47," who offered €25,000 for the assassination.

Natland maintained he did not intend to carry out the plan, despite admitting to possessing the firearms and ammunition. This was the second trial for the charge of conspiracy to murder, as the jury in his initial trial in June could not reach a verdict. The case highlights a trend of young adults being recruited online for financial gain to carry out criminal acts, often unknowingly serving foreign state interests.

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neither knew, nor cared who he was to kill ... to him, this was all about the money