Iranian-Backed Hitmen Found Guilty in U.S. Murder-For-Hire Plot
A federal jury has convicted Iranian-backed hitmen, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, for orchestrating an assassination attempt against Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad. According to the U.S. Justice Department, the operation, allegedly funded by Iran, was valued at $500,000 and aimed to eliminate Alinejad on American soil.
Authorities revealed that both individuals faced five charges, including attempted murder in aid of racketeering. Their sentencing is scheduled for September 17 under U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.
Iranian-Backed Hitmen Were Directed by IRGC for Assassination
The U.S. Justice Department disclosed that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recruited Amirov and Omarov to locate, track, and eliminate Alinejad.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky highlighted the gravity of the case, stating:
“Chillingly, the plot to murder this Iranian dissident culminated over 6,000 miles from Iran, on U.S. soil.”
Authorities say the operation intensified in July 2022 when Amirov relayed targeting details of Alinejad to Omarov, who then instructed Khalid Mehdiyev to execute the assassination.
Mehdiyev was provided $30,000 to carry out the hit. He reportedly used a portion of the funds to acquire an AK-47-style assault rifle, two magazines, and 66 rounds of ammunition—a setup he chillingly referred to as “a war machine.”
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Foiled Plot: Iranian-Backed Hitmen Failed Before Execution
By July 24, 2022, Mehdiyev was actively staking out Alinejad’s residence, sending updates to Omarov. He texted: “At the crime scene.”
Three days later, Omarov messaged Amirov, stating:
“This matter will be over today. I told them to make a birthday present for me.”
On July 28, 2022, Mehdiyev filmed himself inside his car, displaying the loaded rifle, and sent the video to Omarov with the message: “We are ready.”
Amirov, confirming the location, forwarded an image of Alinejad’s home, stating: “This is the house where she stays.”
However, their scheme unraveled when police stopped Mehdiyev for a traffic violation near Alinejad’s residence. A search of his car uncovered the AK-47, 66 rounds of ammunition, $1,100 in cash, and a black ski mask.
Following Mehdiyev’s arrest, Omarov allegedly threatened his family, warning them of dire consequences unless they helped him escape.
Severe Punishments Await the Convicted Iranian-Backed Hitmen
Now convicted, Amirov and Omarov face significant prison time. Their charges include:
- Attempted murder in aid of racketeering – Up to 10 years
- Murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire – Up to 10 years each
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering – Up to 20 years
- Possession and use of a firearm in connection with attempted murder – Minimum 5 years to life
FBI officials have condemned the plot, reaffirming their commitment to protecting American citizens from foreign threats.
Despite this failed assassination, Alinejad remains steadfast in her activism, continuing to expose Iran’s human rights violations.
“The Iranian regime’s brazen plot to silence and murder Americans will not be tolerated,” stated Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
This case underscores growing concerns over Iran’s transnational repression tactics, highlighting the dangers faced by activists worldwide.
Conclusion
The conviction of Iranian-backed hitmen Amirov and Omarov marks a significant win in the fight against state-sponsored assassinations. With their sentencing set for September 17, justice moves forward for Masih Alinejad and countless other dissidents targeted by oppressive regimes.
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