In a courtroom in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, a jury could not reach a verdict against 19‑year‑old Johannes Kongsnes Natland, who faced charges linked to a murder plot orchestrated by the Swedish Foxes gang under the patronage of Iran.
Natland agreed to kill an alleged target in March 2022 for a price of 25 000 euros (£21,500). Two days after arriving in England, he was arrested by armed police in a hotel and authorities seized two firearms and twelve live rounds.
He admitted that he possessed the guns but denied involvement in the murder plot. Prosecutors are seeking a retrial and have remanded him back into custody.
The jury was given a majority direction and, after 14 hours and 43 minutes of deliberation, the senior judge discharged the panel at 15:00 BST on Tuesday.
The case highlights cross‑border criminal cooperation and the challenges courts face when dealing with international hit‑man allegations. A retrial will convene at a later date, with his legal team preparing a defence.
