The disappearance of Masood Masjoody, a mathematics professor at Simon Fraser University, sparked a frantic search that ended in a chilling discovery. Neighbors in Burnaby first alerted authorities on February 2nd, noting his absence was deeply unusual, a stark departure from his established routines.
Initial investigations quickly revealed a disturbing possibility: Masjoody hadn’t simply vanished. Evidence pointed towards foul play, prompting the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) to take over the case. Their meticulous work soon led to the grim conclusion that Masjoody was the victim of a homicide.
The search culminated on March 6th with the recovery of Masjoody’s body in Mission, British Columbia. This discovery transformed the missing person case into a full-scale murder investigation, intensifying the pressure to find those responsible.
On Friday, authorities arrested two individuals: 48-year-old Mehdi Ahmadzadeh Razavi of Maple Ridge and 45-year-old Arezou Soltani of North Vancouver. Both were subsequently charged with first-degree murder, marking a significant turning point in the investigation.
Investigators confirmed that both accused individuals were known to Masjoody, suggesting a personal connection to the crime. While details remain scarce, the IHIT acknowledged the profound impact this case has had, particularly within the Iranian community.
Masjoody was a vocal critic of the Iranian regime, using his online platform to challenge its authority and expose its actions. This outspoken opposition raises the unsettling question of whether his activism played a role in his death.
For years, Masjoody had publicly alleged that individuals and organizations within Canada were actively supporting, or enabling, the Iranian regime, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He believed these connections extended even to academic institutions.
While teaching at SFU, Masjoody identified individuals he suspected of involvement in sensitive Iranian programs, including those related to ballistic missiles and nuclear technology. He feared Canadian resources were being exploited to advance Iran’s capabilities.
He repeatedly warned of the potential for technology developed in Canada to be transferred back to Iran for harmful purposes. In a 2021 letter to then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Masjoody detailed his concerns, referencing warnings from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) about foreign interference in academic settings.
The investigation is now focused on unraveling the complex web of relationships and motivations surrounding Masjoody’s death. As the case moves forward through the courts, authorities have indicated that further information will not be released to protect the integrity of the prosecution.
