Center to Investigate Organized Crime (CIOC)

"The CIOC was established by Iran’s IRGC for the purposes of protecting the Government of Iran in the cyber realm. During the June 12, 2009 presidential election in Iran, the CIOC helped the Iranian Government censor websites and identify opposition activists. For example, CIOC issued a communiqué on June 17, 2009, urging website managers to block “content that incites the population to riot and spread threats and rumors.” CIOC also helped identify internet users who published material insulting government officials and questioning the elections; some of these individuals were subsequently arrested by government agencies." ¹

"The Centre to Investigate Organised Crimes (CIOC) is an involved person within the meaning of the Iran (Sanctions) (Human Rights) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 as it is or has been involved in the commission of serious human rights violations in Iran, including being responsible for, engaging in and promoting violations of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly."² 

"Centre to Investigate Organised Crimes, has been involved in cyber operations targeting political dissidents inside Iran, resulting in the arrest of dozens of cyber activists and web administrators. Has an estimated 45,000 personnel whose main task is to monitor and collect information on people opposing the Iranian government."³

Sources:

1. https://www.treasury.gov/; https://www.federalregister.gov/

2. https://docs.fcdo.gov.uk/docs/UK-Sanctions-List.html 

3. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-steps-up-action-to-tackle-rising-threat-posed-by-iran