The Justice Department announced on Tuesday that a man was detained last month on suspicion of plotting murders-for-hire against American politicians or officials.
Asif Merchant, whose real name is Asif Raza Merchant, is charged with reaching out to someone in order to help organize a murderous scheme after arriving in the United States from Pakistan in April. That person started acting as a confidential source after informing law enforcement about Merchant’s plans.
Merchant, 46, reportedly indicated to the unnamed source in June that he had a “opportunity” for him and gestured with his finger. According to the Justice Department, Merchant requested that the confidential source set up meetings with potential hires for the assassinations.
During other encounters, it is alleged that Merchant inquired about the means possible undercover police would use to commit murder and offered to utilize code phrases to coordinate the assassinations from outside the United States. The Justice Department claims he advised them to organize demonstrations and gather documentation prior to the planned executions.
“This dangerous murder-for-hire scheme, which was allegedly masterminded by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran, is right out of the Iranian playbook,” FBI Director Christopher Wray stated. It was exposed in today’s complaint. The FBI will use all of its resources and might to stop any foreign-led conspiracy to assassinate a public person or any American citizen because it threatens national security.”
In order to carry out his plan, the merchant allegedly gave the undercover agents $5,000 in advance, and he made arrangements to depart the nation on July 12. On the other hand, the FBI detained him that day.
