U.S. offers $15 million reward to disrupt IRGC’s finances

DDM News

The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program has announced a $15 million reward for credible information.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports that the program seeks intelligence that could disrupt the financial networks supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its key branches.

One of these branches is the IRGC-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), which has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the U.S. government.

The IRGC is responsible for financing terrorist activities globally, often operating through external proxies like Hamas, Hizballah, and Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

These groups have conducted numerous attacks, targeting U.S. interests, its allies, and other international locations.

The IRGC secures funding through illegal arms sales, including the trade of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones.

This financial support has enabled the IRGC to generate millions of dollars, sustaining its terrorist operations worldwide.

IRGC’s strategy for evading sanctions and regulations

To avoid international sanctions, the IRGC and its allies rely on front companies to acquire military-grade technology and equipment.

These companies operate under false identities, hiding the actual destinations of restricted U.S. exports.

The U.S. government has identified four Chinese nationals who allegedly played key roles in procuring U.S.-made electronic components for the IRGC.

The individuals named in the investigation are Liu Baoxia, Li Yongxin, Yung Yiu Wa, and Zhong Yanlai.

Authorities allege that since 2007, these individuals have used front companies in China to misrepresent shipments bound for Iranian military organizations.

They falsely claimed that dual-use electronic components were meant for Chinese customers, while actually supplying Iran’s weapons industry.

The U.S.-origin technology was then utilized in the development of UAVs, ballistic missiles, and other advanced military systems.

By using deceptive tactics, these individuals violated U.S. export control laws, leading to serious national security concerns.

Impact of illicit trade on military expansion

The U.S. government reports that these components have strengthened Iran’s ability to manufacture UAVs, missile systems, and military technology.

The illicit technology transfers have directly benefited Shiraz Electronics Industries (SEI), Rayan Roshd Afzar, and other IRGC-affiliated companies.

These Iranian firms play a major role in military production, developing weapons for regional and global conflicts.

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