Teenage hitman facing jail over murder plot for Iran-backed gang

Norwegian Johannes Kongsnes Natland was found guilty at the Old Bailey of travelling to England to carry out a hit on behalf of an international crime gang (Metropolitan Police/PA) PA Media Emily Pennink 3 minutes ago A teenage hitman from Norway is facing jail for plotting a killing on British soil for an Iran-backed international crime gang.

Talented footballer Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, agreed to shoot an unknown target for 25,000 euros (£21,500) in March last year.

Two days after he arrived in the UK on a flight from his home in Stavanger, armed police swooped to arrest him at a hotel in Huddersfield , West Yorkshire , and seize two guns and 12 live bullets.

Natland admitted possessing the firearms and ammunition but claimed he would have shot himself in the foot to get out of the “pickle” he was in.

However, jurors heard he had lied repeatedly following his arrest and even tried to persuade his girlfriend not to give evidence in phone calls from prison.

Johannes Natland, 19, pretending to shoot an armed officer during his arrest on March 19 2025 (Counter Terrorism Policing/PA) PA Media An Old Bailey jury found him guilty of conspiracy to murder following a retrial.

On Friday, Natland will be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court by Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.

The court heard how Natland was recruited by another teenager referred to as “Generalen” who was working for the proscribed Swedish Foxtrot gang.

Johannes Natland, 19, with £2,000 in cash spread over a bed. (Counter Terrorism Policing/PA) PA Media The gang is backed by the Iranian regime and is known for deploying children as young as 13 in drug smuggling and violent crimes.

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Natland was controlled by an English-speaking boss called “Agent 47”, in an apparent reference to the Hitman gaming and film franchise.

Under Agent 47’s close direction, Natland took a flight from his home in Stavanger in Norway to Manchester Airport on a temporary passport on March 17 last year.