By Crystal Ugoeze
The United States government has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information capable of disrupting the financial operations of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its foreign operations arm, the Qods Force.
The offer was made through the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme, which accused the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of financing terrorist activities and supporting militant proxy groups across several regions of the world.
According to the statement, the reward covers information leading to the identification of the IRGC’s illicit financial activities, including oil-for-money schemes, sanctions evasion networks, front companies, and financial institutions allegedly assisting the organisation.
The U.S. government also said it is seeking information on businesses and exchange houses facilitating transactions for the group, as well as entities involved in the procurement of dual-use technologies on behalf of the IRGC.
The statement alleged that the IRGC-Qods Force directs Iran’s overseas militant operations through allied groups such as Hamas, Hizballah, and militia organisations operating in Iraq.
Washington further accused the IRGC of involvement in attacks targeting American citizens, military personnel, and diplomatic facilities in countries including Iraq and Afghanistan.
The statement added that the IRGC had allegedly supported terrorist plots and activities in several countries, including Bahrain, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Germany, Kenya, Turkey, and the United States.
Founded after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the IRGC is a branch of Iran’s military establishment and plays a major role in the country’s security and foreign operations.
The U.S. government recalled that the State Department designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in April 2019, while the U.S. Treasury Department had earlier classified it as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity.
Under those sanctions, all IRGC-linked assets under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, while American citizens and companies are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the organisation.
The Rewards for Justice programme urged individuals with relevant information to submit tips through its official reporting channels.