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Iranian Intel Network Used Cartel to Target Canadian Politician: DOJ
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seized Iranian intelligence websites used to direct a Mexican drug cartel to target a Canadian politician. The network was also used to target journalists, Jewish communities, Israeli defence personnel, and Iranian dissidents across North America.
The Justice Department shut down a network of Iranian-backed websites used to orchestrate psychological operations. These operations included claiming credit for hacking campaigns and publishing stolen personal data. The network also issued explicit calls for violence against dissidents, journalists, and members of Jewish communities. According to court documents filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, investigators traced the network through Iranian internet protocol ranges, shared infrastructure, and cryptocurrency transactions routed through a Tehran-based exchange. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated that terrorist propaganda online can incite real-world violence and that this network of Iranian-backed sites will no longer broadcast anti-American hate.
Key Facts
- The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) used a Mexican drug cartel to threaten a Canadian politician.
- The DOJ seized four domains used by the MOIS.
- The network was used to target journalists, Jewish communities, Israeli defence personnel, and Iranian dissidents across North America.
- On March 1, 2026, MOIS sent a death threat to two women, one in the U.S. and one abroad.
- The Canadian victim is Ghamari, a former Progressive Conservative member of provincial parliament for Carleton.
- Ghamari has been publicly condemning the Islamic Republic since leaving office.
- The cartel was directed to kill Ghamari at her Ottawa home.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Todayville — DOJ Seizes Iranian Intelligence Websites Behind Beheading Bounty on Canadian Politician -- Cartel Directed to Kill Her at Ottawa Home