The case of Masood Masjoody missing in Canada is now being treated as a likely homicide, according to investigators, raising fears among activists that the disappearance could be linked to intimidation or attacks on critics of Iran living abroad.
Masjoody disappeared in early February in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Authorities from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police say evidence gathered during the investigation points to foul play, though his body has not been found. Police said the case is being handled as a homicide while the search for additional evidence continues.
The Iranian-born mathematician previously studied and worked at Simon Fraser University, where he obtained a doctorate in mathematics specialising in discrete mathematics and graph theory. After graduating, he taught undergraduate courses at the university as a sessional instructor.
Masjoody’s academic career later became controversial following disputes with colleagues and the university administration. He was dismissed in 2020 after allegations including harassment and hostile social-media posts targeting colleagues.
Following his dismissal, Masjoody launched several lawsuits against the university, members of staff and media organisations.
Courts rejected the claims, and a later ruling restricted his ability to file further appeals without permission due to what judges described as a pattern of persistent litigation.
Despite those legal disputes, Masjoody remained outspoken on Iranian political issues. He frequently criticised both the ruling authorities in Tehran and some opposition figures abroad.
In correspondence sent to then Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, Masjoody warned about what he believed was Iranian influence within academic institutions and research sectors in Canada. He argued that technologies developed in universities could potentially be transferred to Iran.
Members of the Iranian diaspora say the disappearance has caused anxiety among critics of Tehran living overseas. Some activists believe outspoken opponents of the Iranian government face growing risks outside the country.
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Canadian authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions about foreign involvement while the investigation continues. Police say many tips have come from members of the Iranian community, but without locating a body investigators may face difficulties bringing charges.
Concerns about threats against Iranian critics in Canada have surfaced before. In 2024, former justice minister Irwin Cotler revealed he had been warned by security officials of an alleged assassination plot linked to Iranian actors after he advocated listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.
Security experts say such cases highlight the broader challenge of protecting dissidents who continue to criticise governments from abroad.
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