A 19-year-old Norwegian man, Johannes Natland, is accused of travelling to the UK to carry out a murder for an organised crime group described in court as having links to Iran. Prosecutors told the Old Bailey that Natland travelled from Stavanger, in south-west Norway, to Manchester after being recruited. Court reporting says he flew to the UK around 17 March and was arrested after arriving. Sources also state he had told a girlfriend that killing someone would be “cool,” and that they would “celebrate” if he avoided being caught.
According to multiple outlets, Natland was believed to be acting in return for money and was tasked with murdering an unspecified target. Sky News and The Mirror report that the intended victim was not named in court. The Mirror and Sky News also characterise the plan as a “hit” arranged on behalf of a gang used by the Iranian regime.
Daily Mail reporting additionally refers to the group as the Foxtrot Network and claims it recruits young people. Natland faces allegations including conspiracy to murder; the case is being heard at the Old Bailey.
