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Norwegian teen in Manchester assassination plot on the orders of 'Agent 47'

Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, was arrested in a hotel room in Huddersfield just two days after flying into Manchester Airport, where police found two guns, 19 rounds of ammunition and bags of cash

[Johannes Kongsnes Natland pictured in Manchester Airport]

Johannes Kongsnes Natland pictured in Manchester Airport(Image: Metropolitan Police / SWNS)

A Norwegian teenager who travelled to Manchester Airport with the intention of carrying out an assassination in the UK has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder.

Police raided a hotel room in Huddersfield and apprehended Johannes Kongsnes Natland in March last year. Video footage captured the moment the 19-year-old mimicked holding up a gun and shooting at the officers, before he was pinned against a wall and handcuffed.

He was discovered with two guns, 19 rounds of ammunition and bags of cash, all in preparation for a murder that ultimately did not occur. Natland was acting under orders from an organised crime group known as the Foxtrot Network - associated with criminal activity on behalf of the Iranian regime.

[Natland was arrested in a hotel in Huddersfield]

Natland was arrested in a hotel in Huddersfield(Image: Metropolitan Police / SWNS)

He had been tasked with murdering someone in the UK, although the identity of the intended victim remains unknown. Messages retrieved from his phone revealed he had been given precise instructions, including maps, pictures and videos, showing where the 'hide' containing the bag of guns was situated, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Further examination of his digital communications by Counter Terrorism Police officers unveiled that he had received messages on social media while still in Norway, instructing him to carry out a shooting in the UK. A proposed payment of 25,000 Euros was suggested.

Natland received instructions on which flight to take to the UK and what actions to undertake upon arrival from a user named 'Agent 47'. Agent 47 provided Natland with directions to an address in Huddersfield where he collected some cash.

[A young individual with short, light-colored hair is standing in front of a bed, which is adorned with various patterns. The individual appears to be in a contemplative mood. In the background, there are several items on the bed, including a black item and a pillow with a floral design.]

Johannes Kongsnes Natland(Image: Metropolitan Police / SWNS)

He was then given the name of a hotel to book a room. Throughout his stay in the UK, Natland was also sending messages to his mates back in Norway, including pictures of the guns.

When asked by a mate if he had 'tested the weapons', he responded: "Hell no. They will be tested on the guy."

Footage that Natland took of himself holding the guns, as well as photos posed with the bags of cash, have been released, while CCTV footage shows him purchasing gloves in preparation for the murder. However, before he could execute the shooting, just two days after landing at Manchester Airport, Natland was arrested in the hotel room in the early hours of 19 March 2025.

The teenager appeared nonchalant, before pretending to hold up a gun and shoot the officers. He was then pushed against the wall and handcuffed.

[One of Natland's guns]

One of Natland's guns(Image: Metropolitan Police / SWNS)

A bag containing two firearms, a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver and 19 bullets, was discovered inside a plastic bag under his bed. CTP London detectives analysed CCTV from the airport and the hotel, which confirmed he had travelled in a taxi to a wooded area of Huddersfield where he had collected the firearms.

While the intended victim of the murder plot has never been revealed, CTP London officers discovered a substantial amount of evidence showing that Natland was fully aware he was being asked to commit a murder in the UK. In his testimony, Natland claimed he had no intention of carrying out the assassination but planned to 'shoot himself in the foot' as a means to avoid consequences if he declined the mission.

However, after considering the evidence presented during the trial, the jury found him guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. He was convicted of the conspiracy to commit murder following a two-week trial at the Old Bailey, having already pleaded guilty to possessing the guns and ammunition.

[An individual with short, brown hair and a contemplative expression, possibly posing for an official photograph against a plain background.]

A mugshot image of Johannes Kongsnes Natland(Image: Metropolitan Police / SWNS)

He is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey in October. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: "Due to the swift and professional work of CTP London officers, supported by officers from West Yorkshire Police and CTP North East, Natland was arrested before he was able to carry out a murder in the UK.

"This investigation highlights the importance of the strong links with our international law enforcement partners to counter the very real threat of criminal organisations across European borders. We've worked particularly closely with colleagues from Norwegian law enforcement authorities and as a result, we have stopped somebody from being assassinated here in the UK.

"Our investigation, which remains ongoing, has also resulted in two lethal weapons and ammunition being taken out of criminal hands and off the streets of the UK which has undoubtedly made the public safer."

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