Three people, including an Iranian and two Canadians, were indicted for planning to murder two Maryland residents.
Iranian and Two Canadians Charged in Murder-for-Hire Plot
Naji Sharifi Zindashti, Damion Patrick John Ryan, and Adam Richard Pearson executed the scam between December 2020 and March 2021, according to the Department of Justice. They planned the killings, discussed victim identities and locations, and negotiated murder payments using “SkyECC” encrypted chat.
According to FBI Counterintelligence Division Assistant Director Suzanne Turner, the indictment shows a worrying pattern of Iranian groups trying to violently attack U.S. citizens on American territory. Zindashti and his friends’ alleged conspiracy is despicable, and the FBI will prosecute them.
The investigation found Zindashti and Ryan discussing job logistics, including execution and cost. Pearson, another conspirator, was hired to kill the victim, and they discussed removing their head. A $350,000 job payment and $20,000 expense allowance were agreed upon. Zindashti added Ryan to the gang of four accomplices. The co-conspirator gave Ryan photos and addresses of possible victims. Around March 8, 2021, the co-conspirator gave Ryan $20,000 for plot-related travel.
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DOJ Warns of Aggressive Pursuit as Investigation Continues
The three men face conspiracy charges for using interstate commerce facilities to commit murder-for-hire. Pearson is also charged with fugitive firearm possession and unauthorized alien firearm possession in the U.S. Zindashti lives in Iran while Ryan and Pearson are in Canada on other charges.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division warned such criminals that the Department will aggressively pursue them until justice is served. With FBI, CIS, and RCMP participation, the inquiry continues.
The indictment and Treasury Department action against Zindashti’s criminal network targeting Iranian dissidents and activists for kidnapping and assassination at the Iranian regime’s request. Zindashti and key associates cannot interact with U.S. citizens or in the U.S.