Zindashti network
Criminal network sanctioned by Britain and the United States for work on Iran's behalf.
Britain sanctioned Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki on 12 October 2026, naming him a facilitator of the Zindashti criminal network involved in several plots against Iranian dissidents.
Last refreshed: 18 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
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On 12 October 2026 Britain sanctioned Shahram Ali Reza Tamarzadeh Jakki, whom the Foreign Secretary called a facilitator of the Zindashti criminal network involved in several plots against Iranian dissidents. The designation came as Prime Minister Andy Burnham blamed the IRGC for a suspected plot against RAF Fairford.
The network is led by Iranian narcotics trafficker Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti. The United States and Britain first sanctioned it on 29 January 2024, when Treasury said it works at the behest of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security. Treasury linked it to the 2019 killing of Mas'ud Vardanjani in Istanbul, the 2020 abduction of Habib Chaab in Turkey and a 2021 plan to kill Iranian exiles in the United States.
Both governments treat it as a criminal proxy that Iranian intelligence uses against dissidents abroad.
What is the Zindashti network?
When was the Zindashti network sanctioned?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 18 October 2026. Editorial standards.