Ups and Downs of Corruption in the Shamkhani Family
The ups and downs of corruption in the Shamkhani family, according to Iran Gate, is an investigation into the corruption case of the Shamkhani family members in the realm of unofficial and mafia-like oil exports and money laundering. Ultimately, it leads the audience to a golden triangle of three families from the commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Besides the Shamkhani family, which is the main focus of this case, the essential roles of the Rahbarmadani and Tahiri families can also be highlighted.
In the fifth part of the ‘Ups and Downs of Corruption in the Shamkhani Family’ series, Iran Gate aims to reach a final conclusion so that the audience can process the provided information in their minds. As the title of this case suggests, the Shamkhani family is the central core of this mafia gang, but the roles of two other significant families in this corruption case should not be overlooked.
The Golden Triangle of Corrupt Commanders
As examined in the previous four parts, numerous individuals and families have assisted the Shamkhani mafia gang in the unofficial and smuggling export of Iranian oil. Among the most important of these families are the families of the IRGC commanders Tahiri, Rahbarmadani, and Mahzoon. However, as previously mentioned, the roles of the Tahiri and Rahbarmadani families are significantly more crucial and central.
The family of Commander Shamsali Tahiri, known as Mostafa Tahiri, and Ali Tahiri, who passed away on April 16, 2020, has been one of the pillars of the Shamkhani mafia gang. As stated in the second part of this case, Ehsan Tahiri, the son of Commander Shamsali Tahiri, is responsible for managing and transferring foreign exchange resources into the country through an exchange bureau owned by this family.
The other side of this mafia triangle is completed by the Rahbarmadani brothers, Ali and Mohammad Reza. In addition to their extensive activities in currency and goods smuggling, they collaborate with the Shamkhani family and own a controversial company named Fartak Arvin Qaem, which is active in sand and gravel production. Interestingly, a person named Abolfazl Shamkhani is involved in this company, which has brought this company into corruption cases as well.
As mentioned in the fourth part of this case, the Vezara Mosque is the meeting place for members of this mafia gang. This mosque is considered the apex of the corruption triangle, managing everything from underground oil exports to goods and currency smuggling and money laundering, all orchestrated by Hossein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the former Secretary of the National Security Council.
The Ghost Fleet Exposed
Saeed Aganji, a journalist and researcher in economic corruption, recently disclosed information about ships belonging to this mafia gang. On his personal Twitter page, he published names and details of these ships, known as the ‘Ghost Fleet,’ unveiling new aspects of the corruption case related to Ali Shamkhani’s family. The seizure of a Greek ship carrying one million barrels of Iranian oil worth $120 million was the starting point for the revelation of other active ships in the Ghost Fleet.
On June 20, 2023, Aganji released information about a container ship flying the flag of Malta. This ship, which loaded and departed from the Port of Tilawa, docked at Port Klang in Malaysia on the same day.
On that same day, the journalist also released information indicating the tracking of 10 ships from the Ghost Fleet. This information even goes as far as reporting heavy traffic at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, according to a tweet by Aganji. This traffic is due to the off-schedule loading of ships flying the flag of Tanzania, all belonging to the Shamkhani mafia gang.
A new and interesting point revealed by Aganji is the role of Hassan Shamkhani in managing the Ghost Fleet. Previously, Hassan Shamkhani’s name was only heard in the case of the Admiral company, but it has now been revealed that Hassan, alongside his elder brother and members of the Rahbarmadani family, has been managing the ships known as the Ghost Fleet.
The All-Encompassing Influence of the Shamkhani Gang
As stated in various sections of this case, the Shamkhani mafia gang has extensive infiltration and influence in various institutions and organizations. However, it has now been revealed that the Shamkhani family exerts significant influence in the Ports and Maritime Organization as well. According to Saeed Aganji’s recent statements, the security department of the Ports and Maritime Organization has summoned managers of private companies and issued serious warnings regarding objections to the off-schedule loading of ships belonging to the Ghost Fleet.
This should be considered alongside the direct influence of the Mahzoon family in the Headquarters for Combating Goods and Currency Smuggling. This family, one of the main pillars of the Shamkhani mafia gang, alongside organizations like the Ports and Maritime Organization, paves the way for the illegal activities and corruption of the Shamkhani gang. Meanwhile, Iran Gate has published detailed information about this case, yet no reaction has been observed from the official institutions of the Islamic Republic.
Therefore, it can be inferred that the reach of this gang is far larger and more extensive than various organizations and institutions, and the circles of corruption should be sought among the heads of the powers. The figures released so far regarding this case indicate extensive resource transfers through this mafia gang, and it is hard to believe that, for example, the Ministry of Oil, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Economy, the President of the Thirteenth Government, the Head of the Judiciary, the Speaker of Parliament, and even the Leader of the Islamic Republic are unaware of the corrupt activities of the Shamkhani mafia gang.
Ups and Downs of Corruption in the Shamkhani Family – Part Four
Ups and Downs of Corruption in the Shamkhani Family – Part Three
English
View this article in English