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United States of America v. Asif Merchant, a/k/a “Asif Raza Merchant”
Date: 03-07-2026
Case Number: 24-CR-362
Judge: Eric R. Komitee
Court: United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Kings County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Brooklyn
Defendant's Attorney: Avraham Moskowitz, Jose Lax, Chris Neff
Asif Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government’s global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant admitted at trial that the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations and steal documents, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June—who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York—and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024.
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Asif Merchant, a/k/a “Asif ...?
The outcome was: The Defendant was found guilty and faces life in prison.
Which court heard United States of America v. Asif Merchant, a/k/a “Asif ...?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Kings County), NY. The presiding judge was Eric R. Komitee.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Asif Merchant, a/k/a “Asif ...?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Brooklyn. Defendant's attorney: Avraham Moskowitz, Jose Lax, Chris Neff.
When was United States of America v. Asif Merchant, a/k/a “Asif ... decided?
This case was decided on March 7, 2026.