IRGC Added to Canada's Terrorist List

Summary#

The federal government added the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the Regulations Establishing a List of Entities. The change was made on June 18, 2024 and published in the Canada Gazette on July 3, 2024. In practice, the IRGC’s property can be frozen and certain reporting and non‑dealing rules apply to institutions that hold or handle its assets.

What it does#

• The Regulations Amending the Regulations Establishing a List of Entities add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) (also called Pasdaran, Sepah, Sepah‑e‑Pasdaran Enghelab Islami) to Canada’s list of terrorist entities.
• Once listed:
  • The entity’s property can be seized, restrained or forfeited.
  • Financial and other institutions must not allow the entity to access property and must follow reporting rules.
  • Existing Criminal Code offences that apply to terrorist groups also apply to listed entities, so people who knowingly support or deal with them can face criminal charges.
• The government says this listing supports counter‑terrorism and counter‑terrorist financing work and aligns Canada with international partners.

Who's affected#

• The primary subject is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) itself.
• Financial institutions (banks, brokerages and similar firms) and other businesses that hold or handle assets may need to update lists and follow reporting rules.
• Security and law‑enforcement bodies such as Public Safety Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) are involved in enforcement and reporting.
• Canadians or organizations with financial ties or transactions connected to the IRGC could be directly affected if assets are frozen or transactions blocked.
• If it’s unclear whether a specific person or business is affected, they may need professional or legal advice.

Why it matters#

• Freezing assets and banning dealings makes it harder for the listed group to move money and operate in Canada.
• It brings Canada in line with allies and international counter‑terrorism obligations.
• For most businesses the government says the cost and burden are minimal, but banks and similar firms must update controls and reporting procedures.
• The change signals the government’s official position on the IRGC and creates criminal penalties for knowingly supporting it.