U.S., U.K. track network that targeted Iranian dissidents for assassination under Iranian regime’s orders
US and UK Pursue Network Targeting Iranian Dissidents
In a groundbreaking announcement on Monday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control revealed their joint efforts with the United Kingdom to dismantle a dangerous network that has been systematically targeting Iranian dissidents and opposition activists for assassination. This covert operation, orchestrated by the Iranian regime, has sent shockwaves through the international community.
The Network and its Sinister Leader
At the helm of this nefarious network is Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, a notorious Iranian narcotics trafficker. Acting under the orders of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), Zindashti’s network has carried out a series of heinous acts, including assassinations and kidnappings, across multiple jurisdictions. Their ultimate goal? To silence any critics of the Iranian regime, even plotting operations within the United States itself.
The Department of Justice, in late January, indicted Zindashti and his accomplices, Damion Patrick John Ryan and Adam Richard Pearson, for conspiring to murder two individuals in Maryland. Utilizing an encrypted messaging service called “SkyECC,” they recruited individuals who would travel to the United States to carry out these chilling killings.
A Global Fight Against Repression
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson emphasized the importance of combating the Iranian regime’s transnational repression. He stated, “The United States, alongside our international allies and partners, including the United Kingdom, will continue to utilize all available tools to stop this threat, especially on U.S. soil.”
The Treasury Department highlighted the MOIS’s support for various terrorist groups, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Al-Qaeda. This alarming revelation underscores the regime’s deep insecurity and its relentless efforts to expand its domestic repression beyond Iran’s borders. Dissidents, journalists, activists, and former Iranian officials have become prime targets for assassination, kidnapping, and hacking operations across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
A Web of Criminality
To further obscure their ties to the Iranian government and maintain plausible deniability, the regime increasingly relies on organized criminal groups. This disturbing trend was exemplified in 2021 when Zindashti’s network recruited Damion Patrick John Ryan, a member of the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Group, to carry out assassinations in the United States. Ryan, with a criminal history spanning firearms trafficking and international drug trafficking, has connections to criminal elements in Canada, the United States, and Greece. Working closely with Zindashti’s associate Asan, Ryan meticulously planned the assassinations, sharing target locations and photos, while coordinating payment details. Additionally, Ryan enlisted the help of Adam Richard Pearson, an affiliate of the Hell’s Angels, to execute the murders. Both Ryan and Pearson are currently incarcerated abroad for unrelated criminal offenses.
Why is international cooperation crucial in combating transnational threats and addressing security challenges
The joint operation
In response to these alarming developments, the U.S. and UK have joined forces to dismantle this dangerous network. The coordinated efforts of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the UK authorities have resulted in significant progress in disrupting Zindashti’s operations. Through targeted financial sanctions and asset freezes, the authorities have deprived the network of the resources necessary to carry out their sinister activities. Additionally, they have worked together to share intelligence and investigative information, leading to the apprehension of key individuals involved in the network’s nefarious operations. The U.S. and UK’s pursuit of this network sends a clear message to the Iranian regime – their attempts to silence dissent and opposition will not be tolerated. These actions demonstrate the commitment of both nations to protecting individuals’ freedom of expression and ensuring their safety. It is essential for the international community to stand united against state-sponsored repression and violence. The targeting of dissidents and activists is a grave violation of human rights and undermines the principles of democracy and freedom upheld by the U.S. and UK. The joint efforts of the U.S. and UK highlight the significance of international cooperation in combating transnational threats. In an interconnected world, where borders are increasingly porous for criminals and terrorists, it is crucial for countries to collaborate and share intelligence to effectively address security challenges. This collaboration extends beyond the U.S. and UK, as it involves the cooperation of other nations in bringing perpetrators to justice and dismantling similar networks. It is through these concerted actions that we can ensure the safety of dissidents and protect the values that form the foundation of democratic societies. The joint pursuit of the network targeting Iranian dissidents is a significant step towards holding the Iranian regime accountable for its grave violations of human rights. The U.S. and UK must continue to work together, alongside other nations, to dismantle such networks and ensure the safety and freedom of individuals around the world. The international community must remain vigilant in identifying and exposing state-sponsored repression and violence. By standing together, we can confront these threats and protect the rights and lives of those who dare to challenge oppressive regimes.
The message to Iran
The importance of international cooperation
The path forward
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