"The Iranian Gang" and the Norwegian footballer recruited as a hitman
A UK court convicted 19-year-old Norwegian footballer Johannes Kongsenes Netland of conspiracy to commit murder. Netland was recruited by the Swedish 'Foxtrot' gang, linked to the Iranian regime, to act as a hitman.
A court in the UK convicted 19-year-old Norwegian footballer Johannes Kongsenes Netland on Wednesday of conspiracy to commit murder, after determining that he agreed to serve as a hitman on behalf of an international crime gang operating under the auspices of Iran.
Netland managed to travel to England, collect weapons and cash, and prepare to shoot a target, but he was arrested hours before the plot was carried out in his hotel room. The case serves as a stark reminder of the growing audacity of criminal organizations established in Sweden over the last decade and a half, and their willingness to exploit teenagers for the most serious crimes.
Netland, who was 18 at the time of the acts, arrived in March last year on a flight from Stavanger to Manchester, promised 25,000 euros for the hit. Upon landing with a temporary passport, he claimed to border inspectors he was meeting friends. After being detained and released on bail with instructions to return to Norway, he instead took a taxi to Huddersfield.
There, he retrieved two pistols, 12 bullets, and 2,000 pounds from a hiding place under a bridge. After settling into the "Briar Court" hotel, he took selfies with the weapons and cash, and communicated with his handler, known as "Agent 47." At 5:15 a.m., police officers knocked on his door. Netland emerged in his underwear, mimicking a shooting motion, a moment captured on body cameras.
Investigators stated that Netland was recruited by a 17-year-old known as "The General," who was previously convicted in Norway for attempted aiding and abetting murder. "The General" acted for the Swedish "Foxtrot" gang, which is supported by the Iranian regime and linked to at least 30 murders. Evidence showed that Netland continued his mission even after learning of "The General's" arrest.
During the trial, Netland claimed his boasts about the "crazy mission" were merely to appear "cool" to his friends, and that he had planned to shoot himself in the leg if things went wrong. His defense also cited his history of mental health issues. These arguments failed to convince the jury, and he was convicted. Sentencing is scheduled for the autumn.
