UK court sentences Norwegian teenager to 20 years over murder plot linked to Iran-associated gang

A British court has sentenced a 19-year-old Norwegian, Johannes Natland, to 20 years in detention for plotting a murder after being recruited online by a Swedish criminal organisation.

According to CNN, Natland was recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a group accused of carrying out violent operations for clients, including Iran.

Prosecutors said he travelled to Britain after agreeing to kill an unidentified person for approximately $28,600.

Natland, convicted of conspiracy to murder in July, admitted possessing firearms but denied intending to execute the killing.

Prosecutors presented messages in which he declared, “it will be cool to kill someone.”

Sentencing him on Friday, Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb said his actions demonstrated determination and persistence.

The court ordered him to serve at least 13 years in custody.

British counterterrorism police clarified that investigators found no evidence directly linking Iran to Natland’s case.

His lawyer said efforts would begin to secure his transfer to Norway.