The Lotfi family case: From the non-return of hundreds of millions of dollars to a transnational network of money laundering immunity and dual tolerance
Based on investigations and revelations by Saeed Aganji, an investigative journalist and editor of Irangate, and according to a series of tweets published by him
The case attributed to the Lotfi family, including Mojtaba Lotfi and Mohammad Lotfi, as described in Saeed Aganji’s investigations, is a prominent example of organized economic corruption that has crossed domestic borders and connected to a multi-layered network abroad. This case starts with the non-return of massive foreign currency resources and ends with institutional penetration of money laundering and exploitation of sanction mechanisms.
Non-return of over 400 million dollars
According to information published by Aganji, the Lotfi family, under two companies: 1. Black Gold Trade Development with over 293 million dollars, 2. White Gold Trade Development with about 174 million dollars,
In total, they have not returned more than 400 million dollars of export currency to the country’s economic cycle. According to this investigative journalist, these resources have been transferred to other countries, including Turkey, and converted into various properties and assets while simultaneously creating the necessary conditions for exit and stable settlement outside of Iran.
Internal influence and judicial immunity
One of the main points highlighted in Aganji’s tweets and reports is the claim that this network enjoys immunity within the country. According to these claims, influence in some security institutions and bribing a number of judges have prevented effective judicial action against these individuals.
This situation occurs while the judiciary simultaneously takes extensive actions against protesting youths and civil activists, a contradiction that critics say indicates a prioritization of protecting corrupt networks’ interests over the impartial enforcement of justice.
Overseas activities, name changes, and company formation
In another part of Aganji’s investigations, the expansion of the Lotfi family’s activities abroad is addressed. According to this information: a. Some family members have continued their economic activities by obtaining Turkish citizenship and changing their names, including Alp Lotfi and Volkan Lotfi. b. A company named DIO Trading has been registered in the United Arab Emirates, which allegedly plays a key role in the capital transfer and money laundering chain.
Gray sanction networks and dual tolerance
One of the most controversial parts of this case is the alleged connection of the Lotfi family with a network known as Captain Brar, an individual officially listed in U.S. sanctions but, according to Aganji’s investigations, enjoys a status that can be described as tolerated by both sides—Iran and the U.S.
Captain Brar also has a fuel smuggling case in Iranian judicial authorities, and despite the announcement of prosecution, he remains active in economic and commercial networks. This simultaneous situation, according to Aganji, is indicative of common interests and unwritten agreements behind the facade of sanctions.
Bank debts and hidden assets
According to Saeed Aganji, what has been published so far is only part of the dimensions of this case. He has announced that he will further address the Lotfi family’s bank debts, including in the form of letters of credit and guarantees, as well as the ships’ assets and other overseas properties related to this network.
The Lotfi family case, as depicted in Aganji’s investigative work and tweets, presents a worrying picture of the connection between domestic economic corruption and transnational networks. A network that, instead of being harmed by sanctions, uses them as a cover and tool for redistributing rent. All the issues raised in this report are based on documented claims of investigative journalism and require transparent, independent, and accountable scrutiny in front of public opinion.
