(Image: Metropolitan Police/the Press Association)
A teenage hitman recruited to carry out a murder on British soil for an Iran-backed criminal network has been locked up.
Talented footballer Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, from Norway, was sentenced to 20 years' detention on Friday after being found guilty of conspiracy to murder.
The teenager travelled to the UK in March last year after agreeing to carry out a killing for 25,000 euros (£21,500).
Bradford arrests made during investigation
Court proceedings revealed that two men, aged 30 and 27, were arrested in Bradford on May 20 on suspicion of handling stolen goods linked to a vehicle used in the case.
The pair were later released on bail while enquiries continued.
A third man, aged 27, was arrested in September 2025 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and was released under investigation.
Photo issued by Metropolitan Police of a gun and bullets on the mattress (Image: Metropolitan Police/the Press Association)
Teen arrested in Huddersfield
Woolwich Crown Court heard how Natland travelled from his home in Stavanger, Norway, to Manchester Airport in March last year after being recruited online by members of the Foxtrot criminal network.
The court was told the gang is backed by the Iranian regime and has been linked to violence across Europe.
Natland was allegedly directed by an English-speaking handler known only as "Agent 47", a reference believed to be inspired by the Hitman video game franchise.
After arriving in the UK, Natland travelled to Huddersfield where he collected £2,000 in cash, two firearms and ammunition.
Armed officers arrested him at a hotel in the town before the planned assassination could take place.
Johannes Kongsnes Natland (Image: Metropolitan Police/the Press Association)
Guns and ammunition found in hotel room
Police recovered a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver and 12 rounds of live ammunition during a search of Natland's hotel room.
The intended target of the assassination has never been identified.
During sentencing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told Natland that he had agreed to "assassinate another human being" for money and that, had police not intervened, she was satisfied he would have carried out the killing.
Johannes Kongsnes Natland (Image: Metropolitan Police/the Press Association)
International investigation continues
The case involved cooperation between British and Norwegian authorities.
Three additional people have been charged by police in Norway, while the identity and whereabouts of the alleged handler known as Agent 47 remain unknown.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation highlighted the threat posed by organised criminal groups acting on behalf of hostile states and praised officers for preventing what could have been a fatal attack.