Convicted murderer Carlisle Rivera, also known as “Pop,” was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a murder-for-hire plot directed by the government of Iran targeting Masih Alinejad, a journalist, author, and human rights activist. After those efforts failed, the IRGC turned to Shakeri, who allegedly hired Rivera to kill Alinejad. Shakeri offered Rivera $100,000 to locate and kill Alinejad, and Rivera agreed. Using money sent by Shakeri, Rivera and Loadholt purchased a firearm and “burner” cellphones. In April 2024, Rivera and his co-defendants exchanged a series of voice notes discussing their efforts to locate and kill Alinejad.