A brazen plot to murder a U.S. journalist from Iran has come to light with the extradition of Polad Omarov, a leader within an Eastern European organized crime group.
According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment, Omarov worked with other members of the Organization to attempt to murder a U.S. citizen of Iranian origin on instructions from individuals in Iran.
The Victim, a journalist, author, and human rights activist, has publicized the Government of Iran’s human rights abuses and suppression of political expression, including in connection with continuing protests against the regime across Iran.
As recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap the Victim from within the United States for rendition to Iran in an effort to silence the Victim’s criticism of the regime.
Polad Omarov was arrested in the Czech Republic on January 4, 2023, at the request of the United States, and arrived in the Southern District of New York on February 21, 2024.
Omarov will be arraigned on the charges in the Superseding Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, ‘Polad Omarov is alleged to have brazenly attempted to murder an outspoken critic of Iran’s human rights abuses – right here on American soil.’
The audacious alleged plot to kidnap and murder the victim are indicative of Iran’s policies of aggressive suppression and violence against anyone who speaks against them.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said, ‘The Department of Justice will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to undermine the rights to which every American citizen is entitled.’
FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said, ‘With today’s extradition of Omarov, we have taken a significant step forward to hold Iranian actors accountable for their brazen plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen on American soil.’
Defendant: Polad Omarov (a/k/a ‘Araz Aliyev,’ a/k/a ‘Polad Qaqa,’ a/k/a ‘Haci Qaqa’)
Criminal Charges: Murder-for-hire and money laundering charges contained in a Superseding Indictment
City and State: New York
Date: February 21, 2024
Current Status: Arraignment pending
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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