In the UK, a 19-year-old Norwegian was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder after being recruited, according to prosecutors, by the Swedish criminal network Foxtrot Network, which they allege is associated with the Iranian state. Following a retrial at London’s Old Bailey court, Johannes Natland was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. During the initial trial in June, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on this charge.
Johannes Natland, now 19 years old, was arrested in a hotel room in Huddersfield, northern England, in March of last year. Authorities seized two firearms and ammunition from him. Prosecutors claim that the Foxtrot Network is a Swedish organized crime group that is allegedly utilized by the Iranian state and is under sanctions from both the UK and the US.
Details of the Recruitment and Charges
Prosecutor Alistair Richardson informed the jury that Natland was recruited after an individual using the pseudonym “Agent 47” organized the search for a hitman, offering 25,000 euros (28,500 US dollars) “for payment”. “Natland did not know and did not care who he was supposed to kill… for him it was all about the money,” said Richardson.
Natland admitted to possessing a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and ammunition, but denied any involvement in the conspiracy to commit murder, asserting that he had no intention of executing the plan.
Natland is among several young individuals who have faced legal action in the UK and other countries for serious crimes allegedly committed after being recruited online for a reward, often without realizing they were being exploited for the interests of a foreign state.
Source: South China Morning Post
