The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Tuesday, July 15, added three suspected Iranian intelligence officials to its Most Wanted list. Among them is Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, Iran’s former Ambassador to Albania, who is sought in connection with the alleged kidnapping and disappearance of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who is presumed deceased.
The FBI’s Washington office identified the other two individuals as Reza Amiri Moghadam and Taghi Daneshvar.
Profiles of the Suspects and Alleged Roles
Reza Amiri Moghadam currently serves as Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan. He previously headed the operational unit of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). During his tenure in that role, MOIS agents in Europe reportedly reported directly to him in Tehran.
Taghi Daneshvar, also known by the aliases Sayyed Taghi Ghaemi and Sayeed Taghi Gha’emi, is described as experienced in intelligence and counter-terrorism operations. He allegedly supervised the work of an individual known as Sanai (Mohammad Baseri) during the period of Robert Levinson’s disappearance.
Gholamhossein Mohammadnia is identified as a senior deputy minister within the MOIS. He served as the Iranian ambassador to Albania in 2016 and was expelled from Albania in December 2018 for “undermining national security.” Mohammadnia is accused of leading an effort to falsely implicate a terrorist group in Pakistan’s Balochistan region for Levinson’s disappearance, allegedly to divert responsibility from the Iranian government.
FBI’s Statement and Rewards for Information
According to the FBI, all three suspects are linked to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), which the United States has designated as a key player in hostage-taking operations and plots targeting Americans abroad.
“These three intelligence officers were among those who allegedly facilitated Bob’s abduction in 2007 and subsequently the Iranian government’s cover-up of the event. Bob most likely lost his life in captivity, away from his family, friends, and colleagues,” stated Steven Jensen, FBI Director in Washington. “The FBI will continue its tireless efforts to bring all those involved in this heinous act to justice.”
The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the discovery, location, and return of former agent Levinson. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State’s “Rewards for Justice” program offers a reward of up to $20 million for information leading to the former agent’s recovery and return.
