US offers $15 million reward for info on Iran's IRGC drone network

The United States has announced a substantial reward of up to $15 million for intelligence that could lead to the disruption of the financial network supporting an Iranian drone manufacturing company. The State Department's Rewards for Justice program is actively seeking information on Kimia Part Sivan Company (KIPAS), which Washington identifies as the drone production arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force.

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is seeking information on Kimia Part Sivan Company (KIPAS), which Washington describes as the drone production arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force.

According to the U.S. State Department, KIPAS has been involved in critical activities, including conducting unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight tests for the IRGC-Quds Force. The company has also provided technical support for drones transferred to Iraq for use in IRGC operations and has been responsible for procuring essential UAV components from international suppliers.

In April 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned six senior KIPAS officials for their alleged roles in acting on behalf of the IRGC-Quds Force. These individuals include Hasan Arambunezhad, Abolfazl Ramazanzadeh Moshkani, Mehdi Ghaffari Naghneh, Reza Nahar Dani, Abbas Sartaji, and Hadi Jamshidi Zavaraki.

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KIPAS has conducted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight tests for the IRGC-Qods Force, provided technical assistance for drones transferred to Iraq for use in IRGC operations, and procured critical UAV components from companies outside Iran.

The Rewards for Justice statement highlighted that revenue generated from Iran's military equipment sales, particularly drones supplied to Russia and regional armed groups, helps fund the IRGC-Quds Force's global operations. These armed groups are identified as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq.

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proceeds from Iran's sales of military equipment, including drones exported to Russia and supplied to regional armed groups, help finance the IRGC-Quds Force's activities abroad.