- The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating financial transactions linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
- It is also examining whether major American banks played a role in dealings connected to his global investment network, according to a Bloomberg News report
- The investigation is part of a broader review of allegations involving money laundering and corruption, Bloomberg reported, citing officials familiar with the matter
WASHINGTON D.C.: The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating financial transactions linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and examining whether major American banks played a role in dealings connected to his global investment network, according to a Bloomberg News report.
The investigation is part of a broader review of allegations involving money laundering and corruption, Bloomberg reported, citing officials familiar with the matter.
According to the report, investigators are scrutinizing transactions involving firms overseen by Khamenei and assessing how those transactions may have moved through the international financial system.
Bloomberg said the review includes the role of several U.S. financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup.
The Department of Justice and JPMorgan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Citigroup declined to comment.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Bloomberg reported that it does not necessarily mean criminal charges will be filed. The report added that Khamenei is the primary focus of the inquiry.
Authorities are examining how Khamenei built a global investment portfolio with exposure to Wall Street banks, according to the report.
The probe comes amid continued scrutiny by U.S. authorities of financial networks connected to sanctioned entities and individuals, particularly those linked to Iran.
Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike. As Iran’s highest-ranking authority, the supreme leader holds ultimate decision-making power on key state matters, including foreign policy and the country’s nuclear program.
