In a landmark case exposing state-sponsored terrorism, two alleged Russian mobsters, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, face stiff prison sentences for their conviction in an Iranian government-funded plot to assassinate outspoken journalist Masih Alinejad in her Brooklyn home. This deep dive uncovers the brazen details and wider implications of targeting a U.S. citizen.
The U.S. Justice Department has secured convictions against two Eastern European organized crime leaders, Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov, for a shocking murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by the Iranian government. Their target: acclaimed Iranian-American journalist and human rights activist, Masih Alinejad. This case, culminating in sentencing hearings scheduled for October 29, 2025, has sent ripples through international relations and raised serious concerns about transnational repression on American soil.
Who is Masih Alinejad?
Masih Alinejad is a prominent Iranian-American journalist, author, and activist who has courageously publicized the Iranian government’s human rights abuses to a global audience. Her work, including online campaigns like “My Stealthy Freedom,” encourages women in Iran to protest mandatory head coverings by exposing their hair in public. She built an online audience of millions after being banned from covering Iran’s disputed presidential election in 2009, leading her to establish herself in New York City.
A History of Harassment and Failed Kidnapping Attempts
The plot to assassinate Alinejad was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of years of persistent efforts by the Iranian government to silence her. Prosecutors revealed that as recently as 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and their assets had plotted to kidnap Alinejad from within the U.S. for rendition to Iran. These earlier efforts involved detailed plans to abduct her and forcibly transport her back to Iran in an attempt to suppress her vocal criticism of the regime, as noted in reports by The Associated Press.
The $500,000 Murder-for-Hire Plot
After their kidnapping attempts failed, the Iranian government, specifically high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), escalated their efforts. In July 2022, they turned to Amirov and Omarov, who were described by prosecutors as high-ranking members of the Gulici, a faction of the Russian mob, known for carrying out violent crimes globally. Iran offered a staggering $500,000 bounty for Alinejad’s assassination.
Orchestrating the Hit
The plot unfolded with chilling precision:
- Targeting Information: Amirov received explicit targeting information about Alinejad directly from IRGC officials in Iran, which he then forwarded to Omarov.
- Local Hitman: Omarov communicated this information to Khalid Mehdiyev, another member of their organized crime group residing in Yonkers, New York. Mehdiyev was tasked with surveilling and murdering Alinejad.
- Surveillance and Weaponry: Mehdiyev sent photographs and videos of Alinejad’s residence back to Omarov, who shared them with Amirov and the IRGC. Amirov and Omarov arranged a $30,000 cash payment for Mehdiyev, a portion of which he used to purchase an AK-47 style assault rifle, two magazines, and 66 rounds of ammunition. He chillingly boasted in electronic communications that it was a “war machine” for the assassination.
- “Chillingly Near Success”: In late July 2022, Mehdiyev repeatedly surveilled Alinejad’s neighborhood. On July 24, 2022, he reported being “at the crime scene.” By July 27, Omarov informed Amirov that Mehdiyev was ready, stating, “this matter will be over today. I told them to make a birthday present for me. I pressured them, they will sleep there this night.” The following day, Mehdiyev sent a video of himself with the assault rifle, declaring, “we are ready.” The plot came “chillingly near success,” according to prosecutors, narrowly interrupted by Alinejad being out of town and the vigilance of American law enforcement, as detailed by The Associated Press.
- Intervention: The plot was foiled when Mehdiyev was stopped for a traffic violation. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed the assault rifle, ammunition, cash, and a black ski mask. After Mehdiyev’s arrest, Omarov even threatened Mehdiyev’s mother and other son to try and locate him.
The Conviction and Upcoming Sentencing
A federal jury returned guilty verdicts on all five counts against Amirov and Omarov, including murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit money laundering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and possession and use of a firearm in connection with the attempted murder. The firearm charge alone carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky emphasized that this verdict sends a clear message: “if you target U.S. citizens, we will find you, no matter where you are, and bring you to justice.” The U.S. Department of Justice highlighted the brazen nature of the plot and the commitment to holding those who threaten American citizens accountable, as stated in their official press release.
Prosecutors are seeking 55-year prison terms for both Amirov, 46, of Iran, and Omarov, 41, of Georgia, stressing that the men were primarily motivated by “their own power and wealth” and were “completely incurious” about their target’s identity. Defense attorneys, however, are advocating for significantly lighter sentences, with Amirov’s lawyers seeking no more than 13 years and Omarov’s attorneys requesting 10 years, citing threats to Omarov’s life following the killing of a relative who was a reputed crime leader in 2020.
Broader Implications: Transnational Repression and Free Speech
This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of transnational repression, where authoritarian regimes attempt to silence critics living abroad. The brazenness of the Iranian government’s attempt to orchestrate an assassination on U.S. soil against an American citizen underscores a significant challenge to international law and the principles of free speech. Alinejad herself has moved nearly two dozen times since the plot was uncovered, a testament to the persistent danger she faces.
The ongoing investigation has already led to further charges. In October 2024, charges were announced against a senior Iranian military official and three others, none of whom are currently in custody, indicating that the U.S. government remains committed to pursuing all those involved in this egregious plot.
The community response has been one of outrage and solidarity with Masih Alinejad, highlighting the critical importance of protecting dissidents and upholding democratic values against state-sponsored aggression.
