Masrour Barzani tried buying U.S. zero-click spyware, faces lawsuit

NEW YORK,— A legal complaint filed in the United States accuses the prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government and two of his brothers of attempting to buy American spyware and launder money through U.S. real estate. The report was initially covered by the Intelligence Online.

The lawsuit, submitted this month by former Washington consultant Mahtaub Moore, names Masrour Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, along with Mustafa Barzani (aka Babo Barzani) and Muksi Barzani.

Moore alleges the three coordinated with Americans to hide assets in the United States, secure Department of Defense contracts, and purchase surveillance technology illegally.

According to court documents, in December 2022 the Barzanis tried to obtain zero-click spyware from HSS Development Group Inc., a U.S. company led by surveillance software expert Ben Jamil.

The purchase was reportedly arranged through ASO LLC, a front company operated by Afan Omar Sherwani.

Sherwani’s deposition, filed on January 29, 2025, indicates he worked for the Kurdistan government in Europe before moving to the U.S. He said he traveled to meet Jamil to acquire the spyware on behalf of the Kurdish authorities.

Sherwani identified Waysi Barzani as his superior, describing him as the effective head of intelligence for the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

The deposition was linked to a separate ASO LLC lawsuit against HSS, in which the firm claimed it paid $360,000 but did not receive functioning spyware. The conflict was later resolved through a private settlement.

Muksi Barzani, Massoud Barzani’s son, 2025. Photo: FB

The court filing also outlines allegations that the Barzanis used shell companies to buy real estate across the United States. Moore, ex-wife of the Barzanis’ lawyer Jonathon R. Moore, is cited as having helped obscure the ownership of multiple properties.

Investigations by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project previously noted that Mustafa and Muksi Barzani own 31 U.S. properties.

In addition, the lawsuit claims that Golden Eagle Global Inc., managed by Valerie Cupp, served as a front company for the Barzanis.

Through this entity, the family is said to have received U.S. military contracts. The company obtained an indefinite delivery contract in June from the Federal Acquisition Service under a program supporting women-owned businesses.

A source familiar with the case confirmed that the Barzanis attempted to purchase spyware discreetly.

A composite image shows Massoud Barzani (back) and his five sons, from left to right, Waysi, Masrour, Mustafa (Babo), Muksi, and Mansour, 2000s. Photo: iKurd.net/Barzani’s office/fb

The court filings provide new insight into how prominent Iraqi Kurdish political figures may engage in complex financial and technological transactions in the United States, including the use of shell companies and front firms to conduct sensitive deals.

The Kurdish administration, which presents itself as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), has long faced criticism for a lack of transparency in reporting its oil revenues to the public and the Kurdistan Parliament, according to Kurdish lawmakers and observers.

Analysts and politicians say much of the region’s oil sector operates behind closed doors, with major deals and contracts often hidden from public oversight. Several watchdog reports and leaked documents suggest that billions of dollars in oil income are unaccounted for.

The Kurdistan region is frequently cited by anti-corruption monitors as one of Iraq’s most opaque and corruption-prone areas. Critics often point to the ruling Barzani family, sometimes referred to as the Kurdish oligarchs, accusing them of using political power and control over the oil industry to enrich themselves rather than improve living conditions for citizens.

Massoud Barzani, a former regional president, remains the dominant political figure in the background, analysts say. His son, Masrour Barzani, currently serves as prime minister, while his nephew, Nechirvan Barzani, holds the presidency.

(With files from The Intelligence Online)