Norwegian Teen Jailed 20 Years for UK Assassination Plot

Norwegian national Johannes Kongsnes Natland, aged 19, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison at the Old Bailey. The sentence follows his conviction for conspiracy to murder, stemming from an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP). Natland was arrested just hours before a planned assassination was due to take place in the UK.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, stated that the arrest was made possible by the "exceptional work of Counter Terrorism Policing officers, working at pace alongside colleagues from West Yorkshire Police, Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTP NE) and Norwegian law enforcement authorities to identify, locate and arrest him."

Natland arrived in the UK on March 17 and was apprehended in a hotel in the early hours of March 19. During his arrest, officers discovered two firearms, a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver, along with 19 bullets concealed beneath his bed. CCTV footage confirmed Natland had travelled by taxi to a wooded area in Huddersfield to retrieve the weapons.

Analysis of messages on Natland's phone revealed he had received explicit instructions, including maps and videos, detailing the location of the hidden firearms. Investigations indicated that while still in Norway, Natland had been contacted with requests to commit a shooting in the UK, with an offer of 25,000 euros. He was reportedly given details about his flight, where to collect money in Huddersfield, and which hotel to book by an individual using the username "Agent 47."

During his trial, Natland contended that he had no intention of carrying out the assassination and instead planned to "shoot himself in the foot" to evade the mission. However, the jury found him guilty based on the evidence presented by CTP officers. He received a concurrent five-year sentence for possession of firearms and ammunition, to which he had previously pleaded guilty.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the wider network involved in the plot remains active. In September 2025, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and was released under investigation. Further arrests were made in Bradford on May 20, involving two men, aged 30 and 27, on suspicion of handling stolen goods, specifically a car. They have since been released on bail. CTP is continuing to investigate individuals suspected of aiding Natland in acquiring the firearms and the stolen vehicle.