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Zanjani Sentenced to Death

Zanjani Sentenced to Death
Zanjani Sentenced to Death

The infamous oil billionaire Babak Zanjani, who was facing charges of economic corruption among others, has been sentenced to death. Iran’s Judiciary spokesman, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, issued the verdict on Sunday for Zanjani and two other defendants, reports Mehr News Agency. Zanjani faced several counts of charges including “spreading corruption on earth,” which carries the death penalty under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code. He has also been charged with massive fraud at the Oil Ministry, Social Security Organization and Bank-e Maskan (specializing in provision of housing loans), money laundering and forgery. Zanjani, 41, was arrested on December 30, 2013, on charges of corruption. One of Iran’s wealthiest businessmen, he is said to be worth an estimated $14 billion. He and the two other respondents faced  money laundering charges lodged in a 40,000-page lawsuit which led to his indictment. The two other defendants faced charges of complicity in money laundering, forgery and fraud. Zanjani was jailed when charges were brought against him for misappropriating two billion euros belonging to the Oil Ministry. He has always insisted that he is not guilty.

 

Financialtribune.com