Examination of Structural Corruption Claims in the Ministry of Oil and Associated Networks
According to the Iran Gate Agency, in recent weeks, Saeed Aghanji, editor-in-chief of the Iran Gate news agency and an anti-corruption journalist, has published investigative reports on corruption rings in the Ministry of Oil. This report, relying on these reports, is being published exclusively and for the first time. Currently, one of the main points of criticism regarding the existing crisis in the energy sector is directed at the managerial performance in the Ministry of Oil and its associated networks. Based on the information and claims raised, Paknejad, the Minister of Oil, and some of his close associates are at the head of a structure accused of forming an organized network of corruption and favoritism.
Problematic Appointments and the Chain of Influence
In the cases raised surrounding corruption in the Ministry of Oil, the name Amin Nasirirad is mentioned as one of the links in the network attributed to Hamidreza Saghafi. According to this information, Nasirirad, without having relevant managerial expertise, was transferred from PetroIran to PetroPars Operation and Management Company and appointed as CEO. This appointment, according to claims, was not based on professional merit but was carried out with the direct support of Hamidreza Saghafi and aimed at completing a chain of influence and brokerage.
Meanwhile, Nasirirad previously worked as a low-level logistics expert at PetroIran, and his sudden promotion to the CEO of one of PetroPars’ most important subsidiaries has raised serious questions about the appointment mechanisms in this organization.
History of Supervisory Confrontation and Problematic Return
According to existing information, Amin Nasirirad was dismissed and expelled for a year in 2022 due to a corruption case by the inspection and security of PetroIran. However, according to claims, he was reinstated with the same managerial position through the mediation of Hamidreza Saghafi. This event strengthens the suspicion of the ineffectiveness of supervisory mechanisms and the influence of power networks.
Transfer of Corruption Benefits Abroad
Further in this chain, information about Amirali Saghafi, son of Hamidreza Saghafi, has been raised. According to these reports, he has managed to obtain Canadian residency using financial resources derived from bribes and favoritism in oil projects that have been accumulated abroad. This issue is described as a clear example of turning domestic corruption into residency security, foreign investment, and immunity for the dependents of managers.
There are also mentions of complementary circles in countries such as Spain and Canada as parts of this financial and communication network, which require independent and transparent investigation and follow-up.
The sum of these claims paints a worrying picture of structural corruption, favoritism in appointments, and the transfer of public benefits abroad. If true, this process not only leads to the weakening of public trust and the inefficiency of key institutions but also brings deep social consequences. The main demand of public opinion is transparency, accountability of officials, strengthening of independent supervisory institutions, and non-discriminatory handling of economic corruption, as the ultimate cost of this cycle of corruption is directly paid from the lives and future of society.