Johannes Kongsnes Natland, a 19-year-old from Norway, has been sentenced to 20 years in detention after being found guilty of conspiracy to murder. He had travelled to the UK with the intention of carrying out a murder for an Iran-backed international crime gang.
Mr Natland, a talented footballer, had agreed to shoot an unknown target in exchange for €25,000 (£21,500). He flew into Manchester in March last year on a temporary passport.
He was arrested by armed police at a hotel in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, two days after arriving in the UK and before he could carry out the planned murder. Officers found him in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, 12 rounds of live ammunition, and gloves.
Mr Natland admitted possessing the firearms and ammunition, claiming he intended to shoot himself in the foot. However, he was found guilty of conspiracy to murder and sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.
The court heard that Mr Natland was recruited by another teenager, referred to as Generalen, who worked for the proscribed Swedish Foxtrot gang. This gang is reportedly backed by the Iranian regime and is known for recruiting children for drug smuggling and violent crimes.