Pakistani National with Ties to Iran Charged in Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Officials

On August 6, 2024, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, with murder-for-hire in connection with an alleged scheme to assassinate a U.S. politician or government official. Merchant, 46, is in federal custody, and law enforcement successfully thwarted the plot before any attack could occur.

According to the complaint, Merchant, who arrived in the U.S. from Pakistan in April 2024 after spending time in Iran, sought to hire individuals to carry out the assassination. He initially contacted a confidential source, who reported Merchant’s intentions to law enforcement. Merchant planned to have the assassination carried out after his departure from the U.S., using code words to communicate with his associates from overseas.

Merchant met with undercover FBI agents in New York, believing them to be hitmen, and discussed his plans involving theft, protests, and assassination. He paid $5,000 in advance for the murder and made arrangements to leave the U.S. on July 12, 2024. However, he was arrested by law enforcement before he could depart.

The Justice Department and FBI have emphasized their commitment to countering threats from foreign actors and protecting national security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Trial Attorneys from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

The charges against Merchant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Source: FBI and DOJ Press Release