Pakistani National With Ties to Iran Arraigned in Murder-for-Hire Plot

An international conspiracy

A Pakistani national with alleged ties to Iran has been arraigned in a murder-for-hire plot targeting a U.S. citizen on American soil. The suspect, identified as Ali Younesi, was arrested in California and charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, money laundering, and lying to federal agents.

According to the indictment, Younesi conspired with an Iranian intelligence operative to assassinate Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and activist who has been critical of the Iranian regime. Iranian intelligence officials are believed to have offered Younesi a large sum of money to carry out the assassination.

A plot foiled

The FBI launched an investigation after receiving intelligence about the plot. They were able to track Younesi's movements and gather evidence linking him to the Iranian intelligence operative. Younesi was arrested before he could carry out the assassination.

The indictment alleges that Younesi met with the Iranian intelligence operative in Iran in 2021 to discuss the plot. Younesi allegedly traveled to the United States in 2022 to carry out the assassination. He conducted surveillance on Alinejad's home and movements, and purchased a firearm.

International implications

The plot has raised concerns about Iran's involvement in terrorism and its targeting of dissidents abroad. The U.S. government has condemned the plot and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.

The case is still under investigation, and more arrests are possible. The FBI is working with international partners to track down any other individuals involved in the plot.

Experts weigh in

"This plot is a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Iran's intelligence services," said John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. "The Iranian regime has a long history of targeting dissidents and journalists, both inside Iran and abroad."

"The FBI's investigation and arrest of Younesi is a major blow to Iran's intelligence services," said Michael Morell, a former acting director of the CIA. "It shows that the United States is committed to protecting its citizens from terrorism, no matter where it comes from."