US, UK Sanctions Iranian Network Targeting Dissidents
The U.S. and the U.K. this week announced joint sanctions against a network of people who try to kidnap or assassinate Iranian dissidents and opposition activists around the world.
Both the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, an Iranian narcotics trafficker who OFAC said leads the network on behalf of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security. OFAC and OFSI also designated several of Zindashti’s associates, family members and others with ties to the network. OFAC also designated Damion Patrick John Ryan, a Canada-based member of the Hells Angels motorcycle group, as well as Hells Angels affiliate Adam Richard Pearson, who were recruited to help with assassinations.