Iranian Operative Allegedly Hires Hells Angels for U.S. Assassination Plot
The U.S. Department of Justice has revealed that the leader of an Iranian assassination network recruited Hells Angels members to organize the murder of two defectors living in Maryland, with the network reportedly carrying out assassinations and kidnappings across multiple jurisdictions. The accused, Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, allegedly agreed to pay $350,000 for the hit, and his illicit empire is protected by Iranian security forces. The plot involved communication on an encrypted network and a $20,000 payment for travel expenses. The FBI, alongside Canadian authorities, uncovered the plan, leading to the arrest of the Hells Angels members. Zindashti, who resides in Iran, remains out of reach for U.S. authorities.