Bangladesh, May 15 -- The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on Namiq Salifov, the brother of slain Azerbaijani crime boss Nadir “Lotu Guli” Salifov, accusing him of participating in hostile activities on behalf of the Iranian government, including alleged plans to organize attacks against individuals and assets in Britain and other countries. The move marks the latest escalation in Western efforts to counter what officials describe as Tehrans growing reliance on transnational criminal networks to target dissidents, journalists, and political opponents abroad.

The sanctions, announced as part of a broader package unveiled by British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on May 11, target individuals and organizations allegedly tied ...