US offers $15 million reward to expose Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard financial network

19/05/2026

WASHINGTON, May 19: The United States has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information on the financial network of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as part of an intensified campaign targeting Tehran’s funding mechanisms and maritime trade operations.

The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice program said it is seeking information on financial structures allegedly used by the IRGC, including cryptocurrency accounts, custodians and front companies. In a statement posted on its official X account, the programme said tips can be submitted via encrypted channels such as Signal or its Tor-based reporting platform, adding that eligible informants may receive financial rewards and potential relocation assistance.

The move comes amid a broader US effort to disrupt Iran’s financial and logistical networks. The Treasury Department also announced new sanctions targeting Iran-based Amin Exchange, along with affiliated front companies operating in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong, which Washington alleges are linked to Iranian banking operations.

US officials said the targeted network is part of what they describe as Iran’s “shadow banking system,” which is used to facilitate illicit financial transfers.

In a parallel action, Washington imposed sanctions on 19 vessels accused of transporting Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. Among the ships listed were the Barbados-flagged LPG tanker Great Sail, the Palau-flagged products tanker Ocean Wave, and the Panama-flagged chemical and oil tanker Swift Falcon, as part of efforts to tighten pressure on Iran’s energy export routes.