US offers up to $15 million reward targeting Iran’s IRGC financial networks

The U.S. State Department’s “Rewards for Justice” programme has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information that could disrupt the financial networks of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated branches, including the IRGC-Quds Force (IRGC-QF).

According to the announcement, the initiative seeks intelligence on financial mechanisms, facilitators, and institutions allegedly supporting the group’s operations. The IRGC-QF is described by U.S. officials as the external operations arm of the IRGC, Caliber.Az reports. 

“The IRGC has financed numerous terrorist attacks and activities globally,” the programme stated, adding that the IRGC-QF “leads Iran’s terrorist operations outside Iran via its proxies, such as Hamas, Hizballah, and Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq.”

The State Department said it is seeking information on a wide range of financial activities, including illicit oil-for-money schemes, front companies operating on behalf of the IRGC, and entities allegedly helping to evade U.S. and international sanctions. It also cited interest in financial institutions, exchange houses, and individuals involved in facilitating IRGC transactions or procurement activities.

Among the areas of focus are “IRGC illicit financial schemes, including oil-for-money,” “front companies engaged in international activity on the IRGC’s behalf,” and “entities or individuals assisting the IRGC in evading U.S. and international sanctions,” according to the statement.

Other categories include donors, investment networks, dual-use technology procurement channels, and alleged criminal schemes benefiting the organization.

Founded in 1979 after the Iranian Revolution, the IRGC is a branch of Iran’s armed forces. The State Department says its Quds Force plays a central role in directing overseas operations.

The announcement also repeated longstanding U.S. accusations that the IRGC has been involved in attacks targeting American personnel and facilities, as well as support for operations against U.S. and allied forces in countries including Iraq and Afghanistan.

The programme further alleges that the IRGC has been involved in hostage-taking and the detention of U.S. citizens in Iran, and that the IRGC-QF has conducted or planned activities in multiple countries worldwide.

By Sabina Mammadli