U.S. Treasury Sanctions Iranian Regime Intelligence Officials Over Robert Levinson Case

On March 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has announced new sanctions against three Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) officials. These individuals are implicated in the abduction, detention, and probable death of former FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson, as well as Iran regime’s ongoing attempts to cover up its responsibility.

Individuals Sanctioned

The individuals designated under this action are:

• Reza Amiri Moghadam (also known as Ahmad Amirinia), a high-ranking MOIS operative who played a senior role in the Levinson case and deliberately obscured the truth about his abduction.
• Gholamhossein Mohammadnia, a senior MOIS official and former Iranian ambassador to Albania, expelled from the country in 2018 for activities detrimental to Albania’s national security. He attempted to shift blame for Levinson’s detention onto a terrorist group in Pakistan’s Baluchistan region.
• Taqi Daneshvar, an MOIS officer who oversaw operations involving other intelligence personnel involved in Levinson’s disappearance, including Mohammad Baseri, previously sanctioned in 2020.

These designations build upon previous measures taken in December 2020 against Iranian MOIS officers Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai, who were directly involved in Levinson’s abduction and detention.

A Continued Pursuit of Justice

“Iran’s treatment of Mr. Levinson remains a blight on Iran’s already grim record of human rights abuse,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “The Department of the Treasury will continue to work with U.S. government partners to identify those responsible and shine a light on their abhorrent behavior.”

FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to seeking accountability: “Our investigation continues—we will pursue all options to hold Iran accountable. The FBI will not waver in our commitment to provide answers to the Levinson family about what happened to Bob.”

This action was taken under Executive Order (E.O.) 14078, which implements the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. This law targets terrorist organizations, criminal groups, and foreign governments engaged in wrongful detentions for financial, political, or other gains.

Sanctions and Legal Implications

Under these sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the designated individuals within the United States or under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Additionally, any entities that are 50% or more owned by these individuals are also restricted. U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions involving these sanctioned individuals unless authorized by OFAC.

Non-U.S. persons engaging in transactions with the designated individuals may also face secondary sanctions or enforcement actions. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines outline the legal repercussions for violating these restrictions.

A Longstanding Case with Ongoing Efforts

Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent, disappeared in March 2007 while on an unofficial mission in Kish Island, Iran. The Iranian regime has consistently denied involvement in his disappearance. In November 2019, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program offered up to $20 million for information leading to Levinson’s location and the identification of those responsible.

Despite Iran regime’s continued refusal to acknowledge its role, the U.S. government remains steadfast in its pursuit of accountability and justice for Levinson and his family.