Naji Sharifi Zindashti, Murder-for-Hire Plot, Maryland 2021

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Murder-for-Hire Plot Uncovered in Maryland

One Iranian and two Canadian nationals have been charged with conspiracy to use interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot in Maryland. The indictment, unsealed on [date], alleges that Naji Sharifi Zindashti, a 49-year-old Iranian national, conspired with Damion Patrick John Ryan, 43, and Adam Richard Pearson, 29, to murder two residents of Maryland.

According to court documents, the defendants used an encrypted messaging service called "SkyECC" to recruit individuals to carry out the killings, discuss the identities and locations of the would-be victims, plan logistics, and negotiate payment for completion of the job. The intended victims had previously fled to the United States after one of them defected from Iran.

"To those in Iran who plot murders on U.S. soil and the criminal actors who work with them, let today’s charges send a clear message: the Department of Justice will pursue you as long as it takes – and wherever you are – and deliver justice," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division stated, "Today’s charges show a pattern of Iranian groups trying to murder U.S. residents on U.S. soil. Mr. Zindashti and his accomplices’ alleged plot is reprehensible, and the FBI will not tolerate such acts against U.S. residents, and we will continue to pursue these individuals until they are brought to the U.S. to face justice."

The indictment alleges that between December 2020 and January 2021, Zindashti and Ryan communicated about "jobs," "equipment," "tools," and plans to "make some money." They discussed a job in the United States, with Ryan noting that doing a job in the United States was challenging, but that he "might have someone to do it." Pearson stated, "shooting is probably easiest thing for them," and that he was "on it."

On or about January 30, 2021, Zindashti messaged Ryan on SkyECC seeking an update on the job. Ryan responded that he was getting "things in order" and that he would need money. A few days later, Zindashti told Ryan that Zindashti’s organization was ready to move forward. Zindashti and Ryan then agreed on a $350,000 payment for the "job," in addition to $20,000 to cover expenses.

The Treasury Department took action against Zindashti’s criminal network that targets Iranian dissidents and opposition activists for kidnapping and assassination at the direction of the Iranian regime. Pursuant to today’s designations, Zindashti and several of his key associates are prohibited from engaging in any transaction or dealing that involves a U.S. person or occurs in the United States.