Pakistani national with ties to Iran charged in connection with foiled plot to assassinate U.S. government official

August 7, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The Brooklyn Federal Courthouse, where Asif Merchant was charged with plotting to hire hitmen for the assassination of a U.S. politician or government officials. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

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Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with ties to Iran, allegedly plotted to hire hitmen to assassinate a U.S. politician or government officials on American soil, coordinating the scheme after traveling to New York and involving undercover FBI agents posing as the hired assassins.

The plot was thwarted before any attack could occur, and Merchant is now in federal custody in New York.

Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” 46, was charged on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court with murder-for-hire as part of a scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government officials on American soil.

“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire U.S. Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats.”

Merchant is accused of traveling to New York City to hire hitmen to carry out the assassination. According to court documents, he orchestrated the plot in April 2024 after spending time in Iran. Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted an individual he believed could assist him, who subsequently became a confidential source for law enforcement.

Merchant’s plan involved intricate coordination and multiple criminal schemes. He outlined to the confidential source that the assassination plot was not a one-time opportunity but part of ongoing activities. Merchant indicated his targets would be “here,” referring to the United States, and made a “finger gun” motion to signify the intent to kill. He further instructed the confidential source to set up meetings with individuals who could assist in the plot and that the attack would be carried out after he left the country.

In mid-June, Merchant met with the undercover agents posing as hitmen in New York. He detailed his requirements, which included theft of documents, organizing protests at political rallies and the assassination of a “political person.” Merchant arranged to provide $5,000 as an advance payment, which he sourced with help from an individual overseas.

Merchant planned to leave the United States on July 12, 2024, but was arrested by law enforcement before he could depart. He is alleged to have ties to both Pakistan and Iran, with families in both countries.

Merchant faces charges in the EDNY, and the case is being handled by the office’s National Security & Cybercrime Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Winik, Gilbert Rein and Douglas Pravda, along with Trial Attorneys David Smith and Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section, are prosecuting the case.