The United States has imposed sanctions on three Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) officials implicated in the abduction, detention, and probable death of former FBI Special Agent Robert A. Levinson. The MOIS has a well-documented history of unlawfully detaining U.S. citizens.
In a press statement, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized, “This action follows the December 2020 sanctions against Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai, who played key roles in Mr. Levinson’s abduction. The U.S. will continue to work relentlessly to identify others involved in this tragic case.”
Levinson, who disappeared in 2007, is presumed dead after years of mysterious captivity. The U.S. government continues to seek justice for his case and other Americans wrongfully detained abroad. “We condemn Iran’s long-standing record of unjust detentions and its lethal threats against U.S. nationals,” Bruce added.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program, since November 2019, has offered up to $20 million for information that leads to Levinson’s recovery and identifies those responsible for his disappearance.
Today’s sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 14078, which enforces the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, targeting those who engage in hostage-taking or wrongful detentions for political leverage or financial gain.
