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Teen Norwegian hitman jailed for 20 years after plotting UK assassination
Teen Norwegian hitman arrested in boxer shorts jailed for 20 years after plotting UK assassination for Iran-backed gang.
In brief
Teen Norwegian hitman arrested in boxer shorts jailed for 20 years after plotting UK assassination for Iran-backed gang. 18-year-old Norwegian Johannes Natland was jailed for 20 years after plotting to assassinate a UK target for an Iran-backed gang. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Teen Norwegian hitman arrested
Johannes Natland, 18, was arrested in his boxer shorts in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on March 19, 2026.
Plotting UK assassination for Iran-backed gang
Natland flew from Stavanger, Norway, to assassinate a UK target for an Iran-backed gang in return for £21,000.
Arrested with firearms and cash
Police found a semi-automatic pistol, revolver, 12 rounds of ammunition, and £2,000 in cash at his hotel.
Conspiracy to murder conviction
Natland was found guilty of conspiracy to murder after a two-week trial at the Old Bailey.
20-year sentence announced
Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb sentenced Natland to 20 years in prison for the plot.
Foxtrot Network gang details
The UK sanctioned Foxtrot Network, a Swedish gang used by the Iranian regime, for violence against Jewish and Israeli targets.
Natland's recruitment process
Natland received a Signal message from a user called 'Unknown Hustler' about a 'murder in England' and joined a group chat with recruiters.
Natland's flight to UK
Natland flew from Stavanger to Manchester on March 17, 2026, but was denied entry to the UK by Border Force officials.
Arrest in Huddersfield
At 5:15am on March 19, 2026, Natland was arrested in his hotel room in Huddersfield after pretending to shoot a police officer.
Natland's admission of plan
Natland told his girlfriend Sara Solbi that 'it will be a bit cool to really kill someone' before being arrested.
Court's assessment of Natland
Judge Cheema-Grubb noted Natland had been a good student from a financially secure home but was affected by cannabis and class A drugs.
Foxtrot Network's role
The Foxtrot Network, sanctioned by the UK and US, targets Jewish and Israeli individuals abroad on behalf of the Iranian regime.
Natland's defense
Natland claimed he was 'terrified' and planned to sabotage the plot by shooting himself in the foot before arrest.
Prosecution's argument
Prosecution argued Natland boasted about the mission to friends, showing he intended to carry out the assassination.
Target remains unknown
The intended UK target for Natland's assassination remains unidentified, but he 'neither knew nor cared' who he would kill.
Sentence rationale
Judge Cheema-Grubb emphasized Natland's involvement in planning a murder of a stranger in a foreign country despite no physical harm occurring.
The headline
18-year-old Norwegian Johannes Natland was jailed for 20 years after plotting to assassinate a UK target for an Iran-backed gang.
