Pakistani Citizen Allegedly Linked to Iran Charged Over Assassination Plot Against US Officials

A Pakistani citizen, believed to have connections with Iran, has been charged in relation to a foiled plan to assassinate a politician or US government officials on American soil. This information was revealed in a press release and indictment unsealed on Tuesday by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Details of the Alleged Plot

Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” aged 46, was charged with murder-for-hire as part of a scheme aimed at public figures within the United States. He was subsequently arrested and is currently in federal custody in New York. The DOJ stated that this arrest highlights its commitment to preventing Iran’s ongoing attempts to retaliate against American officials. This is particularly in response to the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in Baghdad on Jan. 3, 2020, during the Trump administration.

DOJ's Commitment

“The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. The plot was discovered through a coordinated effort involving multiple FBI field offices and the New York City Police Department, among other agencies, according to the DOJ.

Merchant's Background and Activities

Court documents reveal that Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan in April, after spending some time in Iran. He is described as a Pakistani citizen, born in Karachi, with a wife and children in both Pakistan and Iran. Merchant is known to have traveled frequently to Iran, Syria, and Iraq. Merchant allegedly attempted to hire hitmen to execute assassinations on American soil. He believed he was working with a trusted contact who reported his activities to law enforcement and became a confidential source. He used operational security measures, such as multiple cellular phones and removing them during sensitive discussions, to avoid surveillance.

Merchant's Plans

During meetings in New York, Merchant outlined a plan involving multiple criminal schemes, including the theft of documents, organizing protests as distractions, and the assassination plot. These activities were discussed using coded language. In June, Merchant met with individuals he believed to be hitmen, who were actually undercover FBI agents, to arrange the logistics of the plot. He provided an advance payment of $5,000 and indicated that instructions for the assassination would be issued after his planned departure from the United States in mid-July. However, law enforcement intervened and arrested Merchant on July 12, before he could leave the country.

Merchant's Arrest

“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.” The complaint also highlighted Merchant’s intent to recruit trusted individuals for various roles in his scheme, including reconnaissance and organizing a protest, with further instructions to be conveyed in coded language. The DOJ emphasized that premature disclosure of the complaint’s contents could have jeopardized the investigation, with risks including fleeing suspects and tampering with evidence before it was ultimately unsealed this week.

Bottom Line

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential threats that can emerge from international relations and conflicts. It raises questions about the extent of Iran's alleged involvement in such plots and the effectiveness of current security measures in place to prevent such incidents. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do share this article with your friends and let's get the conversation started. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.