The discovery of Masood Masjoody’s body earlier this month unveiled a chilling narrative of escalating conflict, rooted in a web of lawsuits and accusations within the Iranian diaspora. The 45-year-old former Simon Fraser University math instructor had become embroiled in a series of bitter legal battles with individuals who would ultimately be accused in his death.
Just last month, Masjoody secured a court order for the arrest of Arezou Soltani, a seamstress who vehemently accused him of supporting the very regime he claimed to oppose. This arrest stemmed from a contempt of court finding in one of their ongoing disputes – a dispute born from accusations of defamation and threats exchanged within a private WhatsApp group.
Soltani, along with Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi, now face first-degree murder charges in connection with Masjoody’s death. Both were taken into custody and appeared in court, with a publication ban swiftly enacted to protect the integrity of the upcoming bail hearing.
Masjoody’s relentless pursuit of legal action – filing over ten lawsuits over the years – had earned him the label of a “vexatious litigant,” requiring court permission for any future filings. Yet, he continued to utilize the courts, most recently to imprison Soltani for failing to respond to his claims.
The initial lawsuit against Soltani, filed in 2024, alleged a conspiracy to defame and harass him, a betrayal by a former ally in the fight against the Iranian government. He sought $9 million in damages, painting a picture of escalating animosity and perceived threats.
Soltani’s response was equally scathing, leveling accusations of her own – alleging Masjoody indirectly supported the Iranian regime and Hamas, and detailing claims of misogyny and harassment. The courtroom became a battleground for deeply personal and politically charged accusations.
Court documents revealed a disturbing allegation made by Masjoody himself: that Soltani and Razavi had attempted to acquire poison to harm him the previous year. This claim, though unproven, added another layer of darkness to the already complex case.
Razavi, owner of Caspian Stoneworks, was also the target of Masjoody’s legal actions, accused of supporting the Iranian regime and advocating for the restoration of the former ruler’s son. Even the exiled Pahlavi himself was named as a defendant, vehemently denying the allegations.
The investigation began in February when concerned neighbors reported Masjoody missing. Homicide investigators quickly determined his disappearance was the result of foul play. Police confirmed that Masjoody and his accused killers were known to each other, suggesting a deeply personal and potentially long-simmering conflict.
Investigators are now exploring whether Masjoody’s outspoken activism against the Iranian regime played a role in his death. He identified himself as a dedicated pro-democracy activist, actively working to expose perceived agents and enablers of the regime within Canada.
Masjoody repeatedly voiced concerns about the presence of individuals and institutions in Canada allegedly connected to, or supporting, the Iranian regime, particularly its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This unwavering stance, he believed, made him a target.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team acknowledges the profound impact this case has had on the Iranian community, recognizing the widespread concern and public interest. While the laying of charges represents a significant step, the investigation and prosecution are far from over.
