U.S. Trial Unravels International Crime Plot: Iran's Influence and Russian Mob Ties

Two men stand trial in the U.S. accused of being part of a Russian crime group hired by Iran to kill a dissident journalist. The trial sheds light on alleged connections between Iran's government and criminals, part of a U.S. crackdown on foreign repression efforts targeting dissidents.

Two men, allegedly part of a Russian organized crime group, will face trial in the U.S. for a failed attempt allegedly backed by Tehran to kill an Iranian dissident in New York. This trial begins on Monday.

Prosecutors claim Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps enlisted Rafat Amirov and Polad Omarov in 2021 to target a vocal journalist criticizing Iran's policies on women. The defendants deny the charges, with their lawyers disputing any ties to a Russian mob.

The trial, overseen by Judge Colleen McMahon, may expose alleged collaborations between Iran and criminal entities, aligning with the U.S. Department of Justice's initiative against transnational repression. The case could implicate state-sanctioned foreign criminal operations on American soil.

(With inputs from agencies.)