‘Corrupt’ tycoon who helped Iran evade oil sanctions is sentenced to death

A multi-billionaire has been sentenced to death for corruption over oil deals in Iran. Babak Zanjani, who claimed to be worth $13.5bn, and two of his associates were sentenced for “money laundering,” the Iranian judiciary announced on Sunday. He was accused of failing to pass on billions of dollars he made from deals while the country was barred from selling oil during the rule of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Zanjani, a colourful figure who flaunted his vast wealth as he rubbed shoulders with the country’s ruling elite, has the right to appeal.

I don’t do anything political, I just do business

Babak Zanjani

Zanjani, who denies any wrongdoing, was arrested in 2013 during a crackdown on alleged corruption during Mr Ahmadinejad’s rule by his successor as president, Hassan Rouhani. The verdict comes at the end of a five-month trial, which unusually for Iran, was held in public. Prosecutors allege that Zanjani owes the government more than $2bn in commission from the oil sales. He was ordered to pay the money by the court. Zanjani was blacklisted by the West for helping Iran evade US and European sanctions.

We despise the corrupt parasites that want to suck the nation’s blood

Iran oil minister Bijan Zanganeh

Babak Zanjani