Federal Jury Convicts Iranian Operative Asif Merchant in U.S. Terror Plot

A federal jury has convicted Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism that transcends national boundaries.

Merchant, a trained operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), had entered the United States with plans to carry out political assassinations and steal sensitive documents, according to court testimony.

Law enforcement intercepted his plot before any attacks could take place.

Merchant, who arrived in the U.S. in April 2024, was arrested in July 2024 after meeting with undercover law enforcement officers in New York posing as hitmen. He faces a possible life sentence for the crimes.

Attorney General and FBI Praise Law Enforcement Efforts

Attorney General Pamela Bondi highlighted the seriousness of the case, stating, “This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump — instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement.”

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the role of proactive investigations: “Merchant tried to hire someone to kill a politician or a U.S. government official, but the FBI and our partners stopped that deadly plot.

Let this verdict serve as a reminder that the FBI is committed to detecting threats and preventing acts of violence.”

John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, added, “Merchant’s plot struck at the heart of our democracy and our commitment to the rule of law. NSD remains committed to defending our nation from the pernicious threat of terrorism.”

Merchant’s IRGC Training and Plot Development

Court records revealed that Merchant began working for the IRGC in Pakistan in 2022 or early 2023, receiving training in tradecraft and countersurveillance.

In 2023, he was first sent to the U.S. to identify potential IRGC recruits and later returned in 2024 with instructions to:

1. Steal documents or USB drives from government targets.
2. Stage protests at political events.
3. Arrange the assassination of one of three U.S. officials or politicians.

Merchant contacted Nadeem Ali, an acquaintance in New York, who reported him to law enforcement and became a confidential informant.

During meetings in June 2024, Merchant outlined assassination scenarios and asked Ali for advice on killing targets, signaling his intent by making a “finger gun” gesture.

Undercover Operation Foils Assassination Attempt

Merchant met with purported hitmen in mid-June, who were undercover officers.

He requested three services: document theft, organizing protests, and killing a “political person,” with instructions to be delivered after his departure from the U.S. He even advanced $5,000 to the undercover agents as a bond for the operation.

Merchant arranged travel plans to leave the U.S. on July 12, 2024, but law enforcement arrested him before he could depart.

Nationwide Law Enforcement Collaboration

The investigation involved multiple FBI field offices across the U.S., including Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Albany.

The New York City Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas also assisted in the operation.

Impact and Consequences

• National Security: Merchant’s conviction highlights continued threats posed by foreign terrorist operatives targeting the U.S.
• Deterrence: The case serves as a warning to state-sponsored actors attempting to conduct attacks on U.S. soil.
• Intelligence Operations: Demonstrates the effectiveness of undercover operations and inter-agency cooperation in preventing terrorist acts.
• Legal Precedent: Reinforces the ability of U.S. courts to prosecute international terrorism cases under domestic law.

What’s Next?

Merchant faces life imprisonment, pending sentencing. U.S. authorities will continue monitoring IRGC operatives and other foreign agents attempting similar plots.

The case may lead to further investigations into IRGC networks operating internationally.

Summary

Asif Merchant, an IRGC-trained operative, was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to orchestrate political assassinations and steal sensitive documents in the U.S.

Law enforcement, acting with assistance from multiple federal and local agencies, foiled the plot before any attacks could occur.

The conviction underscores ongoing vigilance against foreign-sponsored terrorism and the effectiveness of proactive undercover operations.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Federal jury convicted Asif Merchant for murder for hire and attempting acts of terrorism on U.S. soil.
• Merchant was a trained operative of Iran’s IRGC sent to carry out assassinations and document theft.
• Law enforcement foiled the plot before any attacks occurred, with undercover officers posing as hitmen.
• Merchant advanced $5,000 to the undercover agents to facilitate the assassination plan.
• The investigation involved multiple FBI field offices, NYC Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Attorney General, FBI, and national security officials praised the operation as vital to protecting U.S. citizens and democracy.
• Merchant faces up to life imprisonment, with sentencing pending.
• The case reinforces the threat posed by state-sponsored terrorism and the need for continued vigilance.