Norwegian Teenager Denies Murder Conspiracy After Arrest in Huddersfield With Supplied Firearms

A 19-year-old Norwegian man was arrested at the Briar Court Hotel in Huddersfield on March 19 2025 while in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver and 12 live rounds, a court has been told. Johannes Natland, from Stavanger, arrived at Manchester Airport on March 17 2025 carrying a temporary passport.

Border Force officials initially refused him entry but released him on bail, after which he took a taxi to a Manchester hotel.

The following day, an individual using the online alias Agent 47 directed Natland to a Huddersfield address to collect cash. He then checked into the Briar Court Hotel for a three-night stay and was guided via video and map to a tree where the firearms and ammunition had been hidden.

Natland purchased three pairs of black and orange workman's gloves and was directed to a stolen vehicle allegedly intended for use in the killing, prosecutors said.

When armed officers entered his hotel room, he made a hand gesture pretending to shoot them. Police recovered £2,000 in cash along with the weapons. Prosecutors allege Natland was recruited by the Foxtrot network, which offered up to 25,000 euros for completing the assassination.

"He had been recruited by an organisation called the Foxtrot network to an agreement that in return for money he would travel here and undertake a hit," prosecutor Alistair Richardson told the jury. The Foxtrot network was established in 2021 and has been linked to drug trafficking and violent offences.

Prosecutors said the organisation advertises criminal opportunities through group chats on Snapchat, Telegram and Signal, with some groups attracting thousands of participants.

Members take on roles as instigators, recruiters and facilitators, and the network typically deploys very young individuals as enforcers. According to prosecutors, young operatives are rarely told the identities of their intended victims in advance. " The alleged plot was orchestrated by Agent 47, who contacted another Norwegian teenager known as Generalen to act as recruiter.

The handler described the assignment as being in "Great Britain. As easy as can be" and confirmed the 25,000-euro payment. " Natland has admitted possessing the weapons but denies conspiracy to murder.

The trial is expected to continue for the next three weeks.