Targeting of minority groups in Iran
Date of report
  • May 2023
Affiliations
  • Believed to be the work of the Iranian government
The Iranian government is using BoldSpy malware to surveil minority groups in the country and monitor arms, alcohol, and drugs trafficking. The Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran likely installs the malware, probably using physical access to victim devices it obtains during targets’ detention.
Suspected victims
  • Minority groups in Iran
Suspected state sponsor
  • Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Type of incident
  • Espionage
Target category
  • Civil society
Victim government reaction
  • Unknown
Policy response
Suspected state sponsor response